Epworth League 
Methods 



DAN B. BRUMMITT 




CINCINNATI: JENNINGS AND GRAHAM 
NEW YORK: EATON AND MAINS 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Cooies Received 

JUN 7 1906 

^ Copyrifitu Entry 
CLASS /Ct >.Xc' No. 
COPY B. 



COPYRIGHT, igo6, BY 
JENNINGS AND GRAHAM 



INTRODUCTION. 

In sixteen years the young people's work of the larger 
Methodist denominations of North America has pro- 
duced a vast amount of printed matter. Apart from the 
widely circulated periodicals which the movement has 
called into being, a constant stream of leaflets, booklets, 
and text-books has issued from the presses. 

There has been lacking until now an adequate text- 
book of Epworth League principles and methods. Dur- 
ing the formative years of the League such a publica- 
tion would have been premature and ineffective. But 
now the great outlines of policy and procedure in our 
young people's work have become fairly well denned. 
We have a compact scheme of organization, a distinct 
constituency, and a field of operations whose borders are 
understood and accepted. 

The present volume does not attempt to be exhaustive. 
Xo single book could contain all the worthy plans, 
methods, and suggestions which have proved their worth 
in the test of actual operation. But the Epworth League 
movement is here set forth with such attention to detail 
that the book will be found a working hand-book, suffi- 
cient to give every chapter a complete and not easily ex- 
hausted scheme of work, with most of the plans worked 
out in full. 

3 



4 INTRODUCTION. 

It is not expected nor desired that any chapter's ac- 
tivities should be limited to the material given in the 
present volume, but it will be found that practically every 
profitable form of League work has been recognized and 
explained. 

For that reason the book will be found of very great 
value as a permanent possession of the Chapter. A copy 
should be provided for each member of the Cabinet, to 
be kept during his term of office and handed over with 
the other equipment of the office to his successor. By 
this means each officer will have access not merely to 
the material relating to his own department, but to a 
comprehensive survey of the entire field of League work. 
It will make for more united and harmonious effort, a 
better balancing and adjustment of the various depart- 
ments, and an intelligent interest on the part of every 
officer in the whole work. 

There is little need to explain that such a book as this 
can have no possible claim to originality. It is of neces- 
sity a digest. A great mass of miscellaneous material, 
accumulated through years of careful observation, has 
been brought under tribute. Hundreds, possibly thou- 
sands, of Epworth League Chapters and other young 
people's societies have contributed, though in the main 
unconsciously, to these pages. With unimportant ex- 
ceptions, all plans and methods are such as have stood 
the test of actual operation. There is little mere 
theorizing. 

It would be plainly impossible even to indicate the 



INTRODUCTION. 5 

almost numberless sources of the material out of which 
this volume has been fashioned. The writer must con- 
tent himself with a general acknowledgment of his debt 
to every worker who has preceded him in this field. One 
exception to this wholesale method of thanks must be 
made, however. To Bishop Berry, for fourteen years 
editor of The Epworth Herald, four years General Sec- 
retary, and now President of the Epworth League, a 
debt is due which requires personal acknowledgment. 
His suggestions, advice, and generous contribution of 
matter for these pages are gratefully recalled. If there 
should come any measure of success in Epworth League 
work through the use of this book, large credit will be- 
long to him. 

DAN B. BRUMMITT. 



CONTENTS. 



Chapter. Page. 

I. The Genesis of the Epworth League, 9 

II. The Organic Law, - - - 19 

III. The Organization op a Chapter, - 34 

IV. Supervising the Chapter's Work, - 52 
V. The Devotional Meeting, - 69 

VI. Getting and Using Spiritual Power, - 103 

VII. The Book and Its Study, - 131 

VIII. World Evangelism, 150 

IX. The Work of Mercy and Help, - - 236 

X. Social and Intellectual Activities, - 293 

XI. League Records and Finances, - - 365 

XII. Special Days, 387 

XIII. Ceremonial Occasions, - - 411 

XIV. Epworth League Pledge, - 422 
XV. Supervision, Inspiration, and Instruc- 
tion, 432 

Index,- - - - - - - 455 



7 



CHAPTER 1. 



THE GENESIS OF THE EPWORTH LEAGUE. 

METHODISM AND HER YOUNG PEOPLE. 

The Epworth League is the young people's society 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Under its banners 
practically all the young people of the Church are en- 
rolled. Xo other Church has succeeded in organizing its 
young life so extensively, and, at the same time, so in- 
tensively, as has the Methodist Episcopal Church by 
means of the Epworth League. 

But it must not be supposed that this Epworth League 
movement was the initial effort of Methodism to pro- 
mote the social, intellectual, and spiritual culture of her 
young people. During all the years of her eventful his- 
tory individual Churches have maintained societies for 
the special benefit of their younger members. In the 
years immediately preceding the birth of the Epworth 
League these organizations had multiplied until, in the 
larger Churches, they had become quite common. Many 
of the distinguishing features of these local organizations 
were retained in the more general organizations, and, 
in turn, have been inherited by the Epworth League. 

The first movement to provide a uniform organiza- 
tion dates back to the year 1872. Some time previous to 
that date there had been organized by the Rev. Dr. T. B. 
Xeely, in the Fifty-first Street Methodist Episcopal 
Church, Philadelphia, a Church Lyceum, the chief object 

9 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



of which was to encourage the systematic reading of ap- 
proved books. Several similar lyceums were formed in 
neighboring Churches, and soon it was thought best, for 
purposes of mutual co-operation, to unite these in a city 
union. At a meeting of the Board of Managers of this 
central body, held March 3, 1872, it was resolved to 
memorialize the General Conference, then soon to as- 
semble at Brooklyn, N. Y., asking formal recognition of 
the Lyceum. The memorial was referred to a committee, 
which made a favorable report, but, owing to the great 
pressure of business at the close of the General Con- 
ference session, the recommendations of the committee 
were not acted upon. At the succeeding General Con- 
ference, that of 1876, the request for official recognition 
was renewed. The Conference adopted verbatim the 
paragraph sent up in 1872. 

The Lyceum was received with much favor in differ- 
ent parts of the Church. It did good work in stimu- 
lating the intellectual life of the young, and in promoting 
a taste for the pure and upbuilding in literature. The 
organization was destined, however, to give place to the 
Oxford League, a society which retained the idea of in- 
tellectual culture, but provided also for special activity 
in the realm of social and spiritual life. 

Ths Five: Original Societies. 

The Epworth League is the resultant of the amalga- 
mation of five other societies — the Young People's Meth- 
odist Alliance, the Oxford League, the Young People's 
Christian League, the Methodist Young People's Union, 
and the Young People's Methodist Episcopal Alliance. 

Of these the oldest was the Young People's Methodist 
Alliance. It came into existence August 25, 1883. Its 
birthplace was a woody grove on the old and historic 



THE GENESIS. 



i r 



Desplaines Camp-ground, not far from the city of Chi- 
cago. It emphasized the highest spiritual experience, 
mutual helpfulness, daily Bible study, the avoidance of 
doubtful pleasures, and ardent loyalty to all that is em- 
bodied in the word "Methodism." 

The prime mover in the organization and develop- 
ment of the Oxford League was Dr. John H. Vincent. 
The General Conference of 1876 made provision for the 
Lyceum, but it was found that the purpose of this or- 
ganization did not meet the needs of the young people. 
Dr. Vincent, keenly alive to the real requirements of 
the multitudes of young Methodists, sought to supply 
the vital thing which the Lyceum lacked. He proposed 
to organize a young people's society that should provide 
symmetrical spiritual and intellectual culture. This 
society was called "The Oxford League," after the 
famous English university in which the "Holy Club," to 
which the Wesley's belonged, was founded. The new 
organization was received with favor by many pastors 
and leading laymen, and was given hearty and significant 
indorsement at the centennial anniversary of the "Christ- 
mas Conference," which was held in Baltimore, Decem- 
ber 9-17, 1884. 

The late Rev. Dr. J. H. Twombly was the originator 
of the Young People's Christian League. Years before, 
in his early pastorate, he organized the young people 
for service. One of his dreams had been the gathering 
of a great Methodist international meeting of young 
people. The hour of the fulfillment of his dream was 
.not far off when the Young People's Christian League 
was born, in 1887. The Young People's Christian 
League was started with broader plans than any society 
then existing in the Church. The Young People's Meth- 
odist Alliance at that time had only one class of mem- 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



bers, and the Oxford League required a uniform consti- 
tution, and neither of these societies was able to group 
together the already existing societies which were in 
many of our Churches. The Young People's Christian 
League aimed to unify the interests of these older socie- 
ties, Lyceums, Guilds, Bands, etc., with their local his- 
tories and associations, by making them auxiliary to a 
central body without requiring any change of name or 
constitution or method of work, wherever these were ac- 
ceptable to their local Church. 

The Methodist Young People's Union had its head- 
quarters in Michigan. The organization was the out- 
come of a meeting of certain alert Detroit Conference 
pastors. For some time they had been impressed that 
the time had come for the formation of a society for the 
social and religious culture of their young people — a 
society better fitted for this high purpose than any of 
those already in existence. The matter was first broached 
in November, 1887, and a Conference organization was 
formed, known as the "Young People's Society of De- 
troit Conference." A comprehensive constitution was 
adopted. Many of its best features were ultimately 
wrought into the plan of the Epworth league. 

The fifth of the "original societies" was but an in- 
fant when the consolidation took place. The organizers 
doubtless hoped that they had found the solution of the 
problem that was vexing the leaders of the younger hosts 
of Methodism. One who was high in the councils of this 
new organization has said that the North Ohio Con- 
ference Methodist Episcopal Alliance was the outgrowth 
of a desire for the consolidation of all Methodist Epis- 
copal societies of young people into one great connec- 
tional society. 



THE GENESIS. 



i3 



The; Birth of the; Epworth League;. 

There are certain localities of historic interest to 
which Methodists instinctively turn with gratitude and 
pride. Epworth, the home of the Wesley family, is one 
of them. City Road Chapel, in London, is another. Old 
John Street Church, in New York City, is still another. 
Others are old St. George's Church, in Philadelphia, and 
Lovely Lane Chapel, in Baltimore. Future historians 
of Methodism will need to place Cleveland, Ohio, in 
their list of favored names, for in that city the Epworth 
League was born. The event occurred on May 15, 1889, 
in the Central Methodist Episcopal Church. The old 
building in which the historic meeting was held has been 
removed, and a handsome modern structure, known as 
the Epworth Memorial Church, has taken its place. 

As indicated in the foregoing paragraphs, negotia- 
tions had been carried on for some time between repre- 
sentatives of the five general young people's societies 
of the Church looking toward a possible union. That 
some steps ought to be taken to centralize and harmonize 
the work was freely admitted. But just what method 
would most easily and successfully bring about the de- 
sired consummation was a question not easily answered. 
Finally the leaders of the Young People's Methodist Al- 
liance proposed a conference. This plan met with favor. 
In due time an invitation was extended by the Rev. B. F. 
Dimmick, the pastor of Central Church, Cleveland, to 
representatives of the various societies to meet in that 
church. The invitation was accepted. On the morning 
of Tuesday, May 14th, the leaders met face to face. 

The work of the Cleveland Conference was not ac- 
complished without serious and thorough discussion. 
The representatives of the various organizations had 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



come together on purpose to unite on a plan of organ- 
ization. But each one was naturally inclined to favor 
the distinctive features of his own society. Several plans 
were proposed as a basis of union, and at the beginning 
of the conference these plans differed so widely that 
some despaired of reaching an adjustment. 

The Oxford League stood for all-round culture, and 
took as its model the Holy Club, of Wesley's Oxford 
days. The Young People's Methodist Alliance was in- 
tensely spiritual in its purposes and aims. The Young 
People's Christian League was more a federation than 
a compact organization, seeking to affiliate all classes 
of young people's societies through a central body. The 
Methodist Young People's Union had large aims for 
spiritual, literary, and social work. The North Ohio 
Conference Methodist Episcopal Alliance had scarcely 
been at work long enough to develop any peculiarities of 
plan or organization when the historic meeting at Cleve- 
land was called. 

Two days were spent in the discussion of various 
proposals looking to a union of all existing societies. At 
one point in the proceedings the representatives of one 
of the organizations felt impelled to withdraw from the 
conference. Later they returned, and the work of find- 
ing a basis of union issued, toward midnight of the sec- 
ond day, in the unanimous decision to organize The) Ep- 
worth League, and to make it the successor and sole 
heir of all the societies represented at the conference. 

The years that have intervened since that memorable 
Cleveland Conference have been years of stirring his- 
tory. A new Epworth host has come to the front since 
then. The leaders of that day are older by seventeen 
years. Some of them have passed on before. A few 
are still active in young people's work. Many are leaders 



THE GENESIS. 



15 



of thought and action in the Church. But no other serv- 
ice they can render will so greatly make the Church 
their debtor as the work they did so faithfully and so 
unselfishly when they called into being the Epworth 
League. 

The Justification of the Years. 

Half a generation has passed since the Cleveland 
meeting. Many people have asked and are asking 
whether the outcome of these years has proven that the 
founders of the Epworth League were as wise as they 
have been proclaimed by enthusiastic Epworthians. 

The ordinary facts of to-day's life in the Church are 
sufficient answer. There is no disposition to claim that 
the Epworth League has accomplished everything which 
its founders dreamed might be done. But its shortcom- 
ings are the flaws in a record whose value can not be 
estimated. The League must be judged not by how much 
more it might have done, but by how much less would 
have been done without it. The great majority of Meth- 
odists have come into the Church since the League was 
organized, and have always known it as a part of the 
Church. Its work has been taken for granted. But there 
can be no doubt of the value of its service to the Church 
and the community. 

The Epworth League has sustained a weekly prayer- 
meeting, which, in the main, has been a distinct addition 
to the activities of the Church. This meeting has been a 
training-school in devotion, in Christian confession, in 
fellowship, and in leadership. 

It has discovered great fields of practical service 
which, before its advent, were almost wholly unoccupied 
by the young people. The Mercy and Help work in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, the similar Charity and 



16 HP WORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Help work in the Methodist Episcopal Church, Soutn, 
and the corresponding work in Canadian Methodism, 
have done much to make pointless the criticism that 
Methodists were too busy getting happy to pay much at- 
tention to the miseries of the world. 

The remarkable Deaconess movement, which has 
grown side by side with the Epworth League, has been 
very largely helped by the League. Scarcely a League 
convention is held but the deaconess is there, to invite 
and direct the practical philanthropy of the young peo- 
ple. Hospital, orphanage, and training-school have been 
benefited by this co-operation in many ways, for the gifts 
of money and supplies have been crowned by the gift of 
self. Many a devoted and successful wearer of the white 
ties is a gift of the Epworth League to the Church. 

He would inquire unwisely who left the League out 
of his studies of the present missionary revival. The 
Station Plan derives it chief support from large or small 
organizations of the League. In a single State the Ep- 
worth League has assumed the entire support of a score 
of missionaries in the foreign field. This plan, which 
provides the personal element so much needed in the sup- 
port of mission work, would be almost a negligible quan- 
tity but for the Epworth League. Apart from this form 
of missionary activity, the League has furnished a chan- 
nel for the diffusion of missionary intelligence. Mission 
study classes, missionary institutes, the emphasis on mis- 
sions in conventions and rallies, would be impossible but 
for the League. And the supply of missionary recruits 
in the past decade has come very largely from the ranks 
of the Epworth League, in which missionary interest has 
fired missionary zeal, which has fused the purposes of 
many a life into the white heat of personal dedication 
to the missionary enterprise. 



THE GENESIS. 



i7 



The Conferences of Methodism are very largely the 
business meetings of a great and complex institution. 
They are necessarily cumbered with much serving. The 
Epworth League, with its minimum of machinery, has 
had opportunity to provide in its general gatherings for 
the cultivation of the spirit of fellowship, for the em- 
phasis on the connectional idea, and for the conduct of 
exceedingly profitable "Conversations on the work of 
God." 

The Epworth League, through its consistent and con- 
tinually increasing emphasis on personal dealing with 
the unconverted, has helped to provide a fruitful means 
of evangelism. And in the stated revival efforts of the 
local Churches there is a mass of unassailable testimony 
which accords the League high place as a loyal and ef- 
fective agency, affording aid of the utmost value to the 
pastor and the officiary in the work of reaching the un- 
saved. • 

The Church's growing interest in the study of the 
Bible is largely traceable to the activities of the Epworth 
League. During the past few years there has been a 
revival of Bible study remarkable both for extensiveness 
and intensiveness. The organized encouragement of 
this work is almost wholly in the hands of the Epworth 
League. It has called out new and specially prepared 
courses, whose text-books have had a popularity as grat- 
ifying as it is remarkable. 

There is more giving, more generous giving, and 
more systematic giving, among the young people, be- 
cause of the work and influence of the Epworth League. 
There is more private prayer, more religious meditation, 
more devotional reading of the Word of God, through 
the efforts of the League. 



18 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



In brief, every activity of the Church, every outgoing" 
of Christly service, every element in the upbuilding of 
strong and symmetrical Christian character, every inter- 
est of the kingdom of God, has been blessed and profited 
through the providential use and spread of the Epworth 
League throughout the Methodist world. 



CHAPTER II. 



THE ORGANIC LAW. 

Th£ scheme of League organization is in harmony 
with the connectional theory of Methodism. The parent 
body is the Epworth League of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, with its Board of Control. Then comes the Pre- 
siding Elders' District League, and, as the unit of or- 
ganization, the Chapter in the local Church. There are 
other organizations, such as the Conference League, the 
State League, and General Conference District League, 
but these are not essential to the connectional scheme. 

The Epworth League has its being by the authority cf 
the General Conference, and is entirely under the control 
and direction of that body. The General Secretary, who 
is the executive officer of the League, and the Editor of 
The Epworth Herald are both elected by the General Con- 
ference, and all the legislation concerning the League 
either originates in the General Conference or is dele- 
gated by it to the Board of Control. 

The Board of Control consists of fifteen persons ap- 
pointed by the Board of Bishops. One of the fifteen 
must be a bishop, and he is President of the Epworth 
League and the Board of Control. The others are chosen 
from the several General Conference Districts, of which 
there are now fourteen. It is required that seven of them 
shall be laymen and seven ministers. 

The chapter in the Discipline which relates to the 
Epworth League provides a constitution for the govern- 
ment of the entire organization, framed by the General 

19 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Conference. This is called for convenience the General 
Constitution. It can be altered or amended only by the 
General Conference. 

General Constitution. 

Article I. Name. — The title of this organization 
shall be "The Epworth League of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church." 

Article 2. Object. — The object of the League is to 
promote intelligent and vital piety in the young mem- 
bers and friends of the Church, to aid them in the attain- 
ment of purity of heart and constant growth in grace, 
and to train them in works of mercy and help. 

. Article 3. Organization. — With a view to carry out 
the objects of the League, the Chapters and such other 
Young People's Societies as may be approved by the 
Quarterly Conferences, shall be organized into Presid- 
ing Elders' District Leagues, and may also be formed 
into General Conference District Leagues. Other group- 
ings may be arranged for the advantage of the work, 
such as Annual Conference Leagues, State Leagues, City 
Leagues, etc. The Chapter shall be under the control 
of the Quarterly Conference and pastor. Any Young 
People's Society may become an affiliated Chapter of the 
Epworth League; provided, it adopt the aims of the 
League, that its President and officers and general plans 
of work be approved by the pastor and Official Board or 
Quarterly Conference, and that it be enrolled at the Cen- 
tral Office. 

Article 4. Government. — The management of the 
Epworth League shall be vested in the Board of Con- 
trol, which shall be appointed by the Board of Bishops, 
and shall consist of a bishop, who shall be President of 
the Epworth League and of the Board of Control, and 



THE ORGANIC LAW. 



21 



one from each General Conference District. If the num- 
ber of the General Conference Districts be odd, the Bish- 
ops shall appoint one member at large, in order that there 
may be an equal number of laymen and ministers. The 
Editor of The Bpworth Herald, the General Secretary of 
the League, the German Assistant Secretary, and the xAs- 
sistant Secretary of Colored Conferences, shall be ad- 
visory members of the Board of Control. The Board of 
Control shall meet four times in each quadrennium. 

Article 5. Officers. — The officers of the League shall 
be a President, a Vice-President, a General Secretary, 
and a Treasurer. The President shall be chosen as here- 
inbefore provided. The Vice-President shall be chosen 
by the Board of Control from its own body. The Gen- 
eral Secretary shall be elected by the General Confer- 
ence, and shall be the executive officer of the League. 
Pie shall have charge of the correspondence, and shall 
keep the records of the League, and perform such other 
duties as the Board of Control may direct. The Editor 
of The Bpworth Herald shall be elected by the General 
Conference, and shall perform such duties as relate to 
the editorial department of Epworth League publications. 
The Treasurer shall be elected by the Board of Control. 

All these officers shall be elected quadrennially, and 
shall hold office until their successors are chosen. 

Vacancies in any of the above-named positions, ex- 
cept the Presidency and the Editorship of The Bpworth 
Herald, shall be filled by the Board of Control. 

Article 6. German Assistant Secretary. — The Editor 
of the Hans und Herd is constituted the German Assist- 
ant Secretary of the Epworth League. 

Article 7. Assistant Secretary for Colored Confer- 
ences. — There shall be an Assistant Secretary of the Ep- 
worth League for work within colored Conferences, to 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



be elected quadrennially by the Board of Control, who 
shall perform such duties as the Board of Control may 
direct. 

Article) 8. Finances. — The salaries of the General 
Secretary, the Editor of The Bpworth Herald, and the As- 
sistant Secretary of work within colored Conferences 
shall be fixed by the Book Committee, and paid by the 
Book Concern, together with such administrative ex- 
penses as may be authorized by the Board of Control. 

Article) 9. Central Office. — The Central Office of the 
Epworth League shall be in Chicago, 111. 

Article: 10. Local Constitution. — The Constitution 
for local Chapters shall be in charge of the Board of 
Control; provided, however, that no enactment shall be 
made which shall in any manner conflict with this Gen- 
eral Constitution. 

Article ii. By-Laws. — The Board of Control shall 
have power to enact such by-laws for its own govern- 
ment as will not conflict with this Constitution. 

Article: 12. Amendments. — This Constitution shall 
be altered or amended only by the General Conference. 

Local Constitution. 

The Local Constitution, which applies to and governs 
the individual Chapters, is framed by the Board of Con- 
trol. 

The Local Constitution may be changed by the Board 
of Control, but only so far as the changes may be in 
harmony with the General Constitution. It can not be 
changed by local Chapters, and is not subject to adop- 
tion by them. Whatever modifications are made in it 
from time to time by the Board of Control become im- 
mediately operative in every Chapter, and the work 
should be adjusted to these changes promptly. The 



THE ORGANIC LAW. 



23 



Local Constitution, as it now stands, is as follows, as re- 
vised by the Board of Control at Philadelphia, May 6, 
1903: 

Article i. Name. — This organization shall be known 

as the Epworth League of the Methodist 

Episcopal Church of , and shall be subordi- 
nate to the Quarterly Conference of said Church. It 
shall be a Chapter of the Epworth League of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. 

Article 2. Object. — The object of the League is to 
promote intelligent and vital piety in the young mem- 
bers and friends of the Church; to aid them in the at- 
tainment of purity of heart and in constant growth in 
grace, and to train them in works of mercy and help. 

Article; 3. Membership. — 1. Members shall be con- 
stituted by election of the Chapter, on nomination of the 
Cabinet. 2. The pastor shall be ex officio a member of 
the Chapter and the Cabinet. 1 

Article: 4. Departments. — The work of the League 
shall be carried out through four departments as fol- 
lows: 1. Department of Spiritual Work. 2. Department 
of World Evangelism. 3. Department of Mercy and 
Help. 4. Department of Literary and Social Work. 

The distribution of work under each department 
shall be as follows : 

I. Department of Spiritual Work. — This department 

1 Whenever a Chapter so decides, there shall be two classes of members — 
active and associate. Active members shall, in addition to election as pro- 
vided in Section i, subscribe to the following pledge: 

I will earnestly seek for myself, and do what I can to help others attain, 
the highest New Testament standard of experience and life. I will abstain 
from all forms of worldly amusement forbidden by the Discipline of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and I will attend, so far as possible, the re- 
ligious meetings of the Chapter and the Church, and take active part in 
them. 

In such cases, active members only shall be eligible to election as officers 
of the Chapter. 



24 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



shall arrange for the regular devotional meetings of the 
Chapter. It shall look after the spiritual welfare of the 
members, inviting those who are interested to join the 
classes of the Church. To it shall be committed the work, 
wherever possible, of organizing and training a personal 
workers' class. It shall, at least once each year, present 
the subject of the Morning Watch Enrollment, endeav- 
oring to enlist all the members and friends of the League 
and Church in the movement. It shall endeavor to inter- 
est the young people in systematic daily Bible study, and 
shall have supervision of the Bible study classes. To 
this end it is recommended that a Committee on Bible 
Study be appointed. It may plan special revival meet- 
ings, and neighborhood outdoor and cottage services, 
and other meetings of like purpose. It may also con- 
duct devotional meetings for special classes of persons, 
as sailors, railroad men, etc., and may also conduct 
prayer-meetings for children where there is no Chapter 
of the Junior League. It shall help the Superintendent 
in building up and strengthening the Sunday-school. To 
it shall be committed all the evangelistic and devotional 
activities of the Chapter. Where the work of the League 
is so divided that the work of the different departments 
is interwoven, the Department of Spiritual Work shall 
arrange for the devotional services in sociables, lectures, 
and all meetings of similar character. 

II. Department of World Evangelism. — This depart- 
ment shall endeavor to interest the young people in the 
missionary and other benevolent interests of the Church. 
It shall enlist the members in the systematic study of 
Christian missions. It shall have charge of the circula- 
tion of the Missionary Library and literature. It shall 
arrange for the monthly missionary meetings of the 
Chapter, and shall circulate a cycle of prayer for World 



THE ORGANIC LAW. 



25 



Evangelism. At least once each year it shall present 
to the Chapter the claims of Christian Stewardship and 
shall seek to enroll the members in the Christian Stew- 
ardship Enrollment. It shall continually keep before the 
young people the aim of the department, as embodied in 
its motto, "The world for Christ in this generation." 

III. Department of Mercy and Help. — This depart- 
ment shall arrange for the systematic visitation of the 
members of the Chapter, the sick of the neighborhood, 
the aged, and the newcomers to the community. It shall 
interest the League in the charities of the place, and plan 
to give aid when needed. It shall promote, whenever pos- 
sible, campaigns of temperance reform, the signing of 
the temperance pledge, and the circulation of temperance 
literature, and shall conduct temperance study classes. 
It shall have charge of social purity work, tract distribu- 
tion, Christian citizenship, and kindred activities. All 
kinds of charitable work, when undertaken by the Chap- 
ter — such as visiting hospitals, nursing, distributing 
flowers, starting industrial schools, conducting employ- 
ment bureaus, coffee-houses, day nurseries, etc. — shall 
be under its care. 

IV. Department of Literary and Social Work. — It 
shall be the aim of this department to give stimulus and 
direction to general Christian culture, to do what it can 
to quicken the intellectual and social life of its members 
and of the community. It shall instruct the membership 
of the Chapter in the doctrines, polity, history, and pres- 
ent activities of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the 
other denominations of the Church universal. It may 
open, wherever practical, libraries, reading-rooms, art- 
rooms, night-schools, and the like. It shall arrange for 
lectures and literary gatherings, when members of the 
Chapters and others shall present essays, papers, talks, 



26 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



debates, etc. It shall endeavor to extend the circulation 
of The Bpworth Herald, and of the other publications of 
the Church. It shall be on the lookout for new mem- 
bers, and be ready to receive them and introduce them at 
all meetings of the Chapter. It shall have charge of the 
social part of all gatherings. The music of the Chapter 
(except that of devotional meetings) and its entertain- 
ments shall be under its care. It may provide flowers for 
the pulpit, ushers when needed, and attend to procuring 
badges, emblems, banners, decorations, etc., and be the 
custodian of all such effects belonging to the Chapter. 
Picnics, excursions, and other outings shall be under 
its care. 

Article 5. Officers. — 1. The officers shall be a Presi- 
dent, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Third 
Vice-President, Fourth Vice-President, Secretary, Treas- 
urer, and Junior League Superintendent. 

2. The President, who shall be a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, shall be elected by ballot on a 
majority vote. The other officers who shall be members 
of the Methodist Episcopal or some other evangelical 
Church, shall be elected in the same manner, except the 
Junior League Superintendent, who shall be appointed 
by the pastor. 

3. After approval of the President by the Quarterly 
Conference, the names of the officers, with their ad- 
dresses, shall be promptly forwarded to the Central Of- 
fice of the Epworth League. 

4. The President shall perform the duties usually 
assigned to his office. The Vice-Presidents, in the order 
named, beginning with the First Vice-President, shall 
represent and have charge of the Departments of Spirit- 
ual Work, World Evangelism, Mercy and Help, and Lit- 
erary and Social Work. The officers, together with the 



THE ORGANIC LAW. 



27 



pastor, shall constitute the Cabinet of the Chapter, aid- 
ing the President as he may need. 

5. The Secretary shall keep a complete record of the 
membership, of all the meetings, and of all courses of 
reading and study pursued by the Chapter. It is desir- 
able that he send reports of its meetings to local papers ; 
also that he keep copies of all programs, newspaper and 
other notices of Chapter affairs, and all memorabilia re- 
lating to its doings. He may carry on correspondence 
with absent members and other Chapters, and read the 
replies at the meetings of the Chapter, as the Chapter may 
order. He shall conduct all correspondence with the 
Central and District Offices, and be the custodian of all 
the records of the Chapter. Through him members in 
good standing shall be recommended to other Chapters. 
The Secretary may choose one or more assistants to aid 
him in his work. 

6. The Treasurer shall present to the Chapter plans 
for meeting the financial needs of the Chapter. He shall 
collect all dues and receive all moneys, disbursing the 
same as the Chapter may direct. He shall forward to 
the General Treasurer of the Epworth League, in Chi- 
cago, 111., during the month of May in each year, the 
sum of $1.00 as Chapter dues, to meet the expenses of 
the general organization. The Treasurer may choose 
one or more assistants to aid him in his work. 

7. The Superintendent of the Junior League shall 
have charge of all work in the Junior League. For 
specific directions as to methods of work, see the Local 
Constitution for the Junior League. 

8. For the purpose of enlisting all in the work and 
rendering it more effective, the Cabinet shall assign each 
member of the Chapter to at least one department oi 
work. Each Vice-President shall name to the Chapter 



28 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



a committee of from three to five members, for the man- 
agement of his department, the officer being ex officio 
chairman. If for any cause all the offices of a Chapter 
shall be vacated, a special meeting may be called by the 
pastor to fill vacancies. 

9. It shall be the duty of the Cabinet to organize a 
Junior League, under the control of a Superintendent, to 
be appointed by the pastor. 

Article; 6. Meetings. — The Chapter shall hold a de- 
votional meeting on evening of each week, 

to be led by one of the members of the Chapter, under 
the direction of the Committee on Spiritual Work. Other 
meetings shall be held as the Cabinet may arrange them. 

Article 7. In cases of immorality, unchristian con- 
duct, or neglect of duty, the Chapter, at any regularly 
called meeting, may, by a majority vote of the members 
present and voting, exclude the offender upon the recom- 
mendation of two-thirds of the Cabinet. The accused 
shall have the right to be heard by the Cabinet before any 
decisive action is taken. 

Article 8. By-Laws and Amendments. — The Chap- 
ter may adopt such by-laws, consistent with the Consti- 
tutions, as may be needed. Amendments to said by-laws 
must be submitted in writing to the Cabinet, and when ap- 
proved by it, may be adopted by a two-thirds vote of 
those present at any regular meeting; provided, how- 
ever, that all by-laws must be in harmony with the 
League pledge. 

By-Laws. 

The by-laws, which relate to the minor details of the 
Chapter's business, may be changed by the local Chap- 
ter at its pleasure, with the single condition that all 
changes shall be in harmony with the Ep worth League 



THE ORGANIC LAW. 



29 



Constitution. A set of by-laws/ given below, is offered 
by way of suggestion. 

Article i. The Chapter shall hold a devotional meet- 
ing weekly on evening, to be led by the mem- 
bers, under the direction of the Committee on Spiritual 
Work. 

Article 2. The Chapter shall hold a business meet- 
ing on the evening of each month. (Insert in 

the blank "First Monday," "Second Monday," or what- 
ever evening may be chosen.) 

Article 3. The following shall be the order of ex- 
ercises at the business meeting: (a) Devotional service, 
to consist of singing, the reading of Scripture, and prayer 
by a member, or the Lord's Prayer by all in concert, (b) 
Minutes of last meeting, and their approval, (c) Re- 
ports from the departments of work, (d) Reports from 
special committees, (e) Unfinished business, (f) Propo- 
sitions for membership, (g) New business, (h) Ad- 
journment. 

Article 4. At any business meeting mem- 
bers shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of 
business. 

Article 5. The annual meeting for the election of 

officers shall be held on the evening in the 

month of May. 

Article 6. At the annual meeting each officer shall 
present a written report of the work in the department 
under his charge during the year. 

Article 7. After the election of officers the Secre- 
tary of the meeting at which the election was held shall 
report in writing to the Official Board or Quarterly Con- 
ference of the Church the name of the President-elect for 
its approval. The President shall attend as a member 
each session of the Quarterly Conference. 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Article 8. This Chapter will take an annual collec- 
tion during the month of May and transmit it to the As- 
sistant Treasurer of the Epworth League, 57 Washing- 
ton Street, Chicago, 111. 

Article 9. Amendments to these by-laws must be 
submitted in writing to the Cabinet, and when recom- 
mended by the Cabinet may be adopted by a two-thirds 
vote of those present at any regular meeting. 

Article: 10. Any of these by-laws, except Article 5, 
may be suspended at any meeting, for that meeting only, 
by a two-thirds vote of those who are present. 

Article ii. The following is the form. for the report 
of the Local Chapter to the Quarterly Conference : 

Report of Epworth League, Chapter , Church, 

, Charge, District, Conference. For 

Quarter. 

Number of Active Members.... — Increase or Decrease — 

Number of Associate Me'bers, — Number of Meetings held — 

Number of Honorary Me'bers, — Religious — 

Total — Social or Literary — 

Number of Last Report — Business — 

The Chapter has elected as President to serve for the period 
of , subject to your approval. 

Other Details oe Organization. 

Pledge. — The Epworth League has a pledge, the 
adoption of which is optional with the Chapters. That 
is, each Chapter may decide for itself whether the pledge 
shall be made a condition of membership. No Chapter 
has any authority to change the pledge in any way. The 
pledge reads as follows : 

"I will earnestly seek for myself, and do what I can 
to help others attain, the highest New Testament stand- 
ard of experience and life. I will abstain from all those 



THE ORGANIC LAW. 



3i 



forms of worldly amusement forbidden by the Discipline 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and I will attend, so 
far as possible, the religious meetings of the Chapter and 
the Church, and take some active part in them." 

The adoption of the pledge automatically determines 
that the Chapters adopting it shall have two classes of 
membership, active and associate. The active members 
are those who have taken the pledge. It is expected that 
where the pledge is adopted all members of the Chapter 
who are also members of the Church shall take it. As- 
sociate membership is not provided, except as a stepping- 
stone to active membership, and all members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church are already practically pledged 
to do all that the formal pledge of the Epworth League 
requires. A fuller treatment of the subject will be found 
elsewhere in this book. 

Colors. — The Epworth League colors are red and 
white. The most usual form is a white ribbon with a 
scarlet thread running through its center. 

Badge. — The badge of the Epworth League is a Mal- 
tese cross. In the center is a smaller cross. 
This cross is encircled by a series of small cir- 
cles, each one of which bears a letter of the 
motto, "Look up, lift up." On the arms of the 
cross are the initials of the Epworth League. 
These badges are made in a variety of sizes and materials. 

Watchwords. — Two significant sentences have been 
incorporated into the activities of the Epworth League 
from the beginning. The first is from John Wesley: 



" I desire to form a League offensive and de- 
fensive with every soldier of Jesus Christ." 




32 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 

The second is a declaration made by Bishop Mat- 
thew Simpson: 



"We live to make our own Church a power in 
the "land, while we live to love every other Church 
that exalts our Christ." 



Elections. — For the sake of uniformity the Central 
Office of the Epworth League suggests that all Chapters 
hold their election in April or early in May, so that the 
new officers may be installed on Anniversary Day, which 
is the Sunday nearest the fifteenth of May. 

General Officers. 

For the four years ending with June, 1908, the general 
officers of the Epworth League are as follows : 

President — Bishop Joseph F. Berry, D. D., Buffalo, 
N. Y. 

General Secretary — The Rev. Edwin M. Randall, 

D. D., 57 Washington Street, Chicago. 
Editor of The Bpworth Herald — The Rev. Stephen 

J. Herben, D. D., 57 Washington Street, Chicago. 
German Assistant Secretary — The Rev. Frederick 

Munz, D. D., 220 West Fourth Street, Cincinnati, 

Ohio. 

Assistant Secretary for Colored Conferences — The 
Rev. I. Garland Penn, D. D., South Atlanta, Ga. 

The Board of Control for the quadrennium ending 
in 1908 is composed of the following ministers and 
laymen : The Rev. Franklin Hamilton, Boston, 
Mass.; M. S. Daniels, Esq., Newark, N. J.; the 
Rev. Ward Piatt, D. D., Buffalo, N. Y. ; the Rev. 
J. Ellis Bell, D. D., Altoona, Pa. ; J. R. Clark, Esq., 



THE ORGANIC LAW. 



33 



Cincinnati, Ohio; W. B. Mathews, Esq., Charles- 
ton, W. Va. ; L. J. Price, Esq., South Atlanta, 
Ga. ; the Rev. C. F. Reisner, D. D., Denver, Col. ; 
B. L. Paine, M. D., Lincoln, Neb. ; the Rev. J. W. 
Frizzelle, D. D., Watseka, 111.; the Rev. E. B. 
Rawls, D. D., Indianapolis, Ind. ; R. S. Copeland, 
M. D., Ann Arbor, Mich. ; H. A. Schroetter, Esq., 
Covington, Ky. ; the Rev. Thomas Filben, D. D., 
Pacific Grove, Cal. 
The General Secretary, the Assistant Secretaries, and 
the Editor of The Bpworth Herald, are advisory mem- 
bers of the Board of Control. 



3 



CHAPTER III. 



THE ORGANIZATION OF A CHAPTER. 
The: Preliminaries. 

The organization of an Epworth League Chapter is 
not now as common an occurrence as it was in the first 
years of the League's existence. Chapters have already 
been organized in the great majority of our Churches. 

But there remain here and there a few Churches 
which have not yet organized their young people. There 
is no good reason why they should not do so at once. 
The value of the League has been abundantly demon- 
strated. It works, and is profitable. The method of or- 
ganization is simple enough. The steps to be taken are 
such as are within the power of the smallest and weakest 
charge on the remotest circuit, as well as the resourceful 
and more numerous membership of the great city Church. 
The League is for every sort of Methodist Church, and 
every sort of Methodist Church needs it, and can 
operate it. 

Usually the pastor will take the first step in organ- 
izing the Chapter. The need of it will probably occur 
to him before it occurs to any one else. It is likely that 
he will be confident that an organization can be effected, 
when other people will be less sanguine. 

But if the pastor does not take the initiative, and the 
conviction has come to a group of young people that any 
Epworth League Chapter is desirable and would be likely 

34 



THE ORGANIZATION OF A CHAPTER. 35 



to succeed, the pastor should by all means be consulted 
before any definite or organized action is taken. 

The next step is the securing of adequate informa- 
tion. Do not take any leaps in the dark. The Central 
Office of the Epworth League is organized largely for 
the purpose of serving as a clearing-house of Epworth 
League information. All its resources are gladly put at 
the service of those who need them. Send to that office 
for all the literature available. Most of it will be sent 
free, although there is some literature on the subject of 
the Epworth League for which a small fee is necessarily 
charged. It is abundantly worth it. 

The pastor should by all means be enlisted in the new 
movement, so that he will "talk it up" both in the pulpit 
and out of it. He must be recognized officially and per- 
sonally as the leader of the work. He must be from the 
outset the cordial and resourceful friend of the Chapter. 

When the time seems ripe, and usually the sooner 
the better, let a meeting be called for the purpose of de- 
termining the question of organization. Appoint an 
evening for the meeting when it will be certain to have 
complete right of way. Advertise it widely and per- 
sistently. Make a personal canvass of the people who 
should be present. Plan to make the meeting attractive 
in every possible way. Provide some simple social fea- 
ture, which will help to dissipate the feeling of strange- 
ness that may easily be present in such a gathering. 

Before the day of the meeting those who are most 
interested in the success of the movement must give 
themselves to prayer for God's .approval and blessing on 
the enterprise. The Epworth League is irrevocably com- 
mitted to implicit faith in prayer, and if a new Chapter 
can not be begun in the most prayerful spirit, and with 
definite dependence on God, it will be better not to begin 
it at all. 



36 EP WORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



At the preliminary meeting, after the devotional ex- 
ercises, some one will explain the purpose of the gather- 
ing. This duty may very properly be assigned to the pas- 
tor or to some other person who is interested in the Ep- 
worth League work. Often one of the officers of the 
District League will be glad to come and talk of the 
spirit, purpose, and plan of the organization. By the 
time this speech is over the meeting will be ready for a 
discussion of the question, "Shall we organize a Chapter 
of the Epworth League ?" It is presumed, of course, that 
all will answer in the affirmative. But do not try to limit 
discussion. Lead it, and hold it to the essential question, 
but let there be the utmost freedom. 

With the other literature received from the Central 
Office there will be included a copy of the Epworth 
League Constitution. This should have been previously 
pasted on a large sheet of paper, and after the vote to 
organize has been taken, all who will should be asked 
to sign the document. Additional copies of the Consti- 
tution may very profitably be distributed at this time, 
to all who have signed, that they may study the details 
of the organization at their leisure. 

If all the things thus far outlined are done at the pre- 
liminary meeting, it will have accomplished all that can 
be expected of it, with two exceptions. The question of 
by-laws should be left to a committee, and the meeting 
may properly appoint this committee. The committee 
should be instructed to report at the next meeting, sug- 
gesting the time of holding meetings, the policy of the 
Chapter with regard to the pledge, dues, etc. Another 
committee should be appointed to draw up a list of nomi- 
nations for the Chapter's first officers. Then the meet- 
ing may be adjourned for a week. 

At the adjourned meeting let the reports of the Com- 



THE ORGANIZATION OF A CHAPTER. 37 



mittees on By-laws and on Nominations be heard. As 
soon as these reports are acted upon the Chapter is ready 
for definite and aggressive work. 

Membership. 

There is no legal age limit in the Epworth League, ". 
except the one fixed by the Constitution of the Junior 
League, which provides for Junior members up to the 
age of about sixteen years. Under ordinary circum- 
stances, therefore, it is presumed that, where a Junior 
League exists, the Epworth League will not receive mem- 
bers who are under sixteen years of age. The maximum 
age limit is not fixed at all. There are two things which 
should be remembered with regard to the age of Ep- 
worth League members. First, that the Epworth League 
is a young people's society; second, that youth is not 
always a question of years. The action taken by the 
Board of Control at its meeting in Pittsburg, in Novem- 
ber, 1904, indicates what should be the attitude of the 
Chapters on this question. 

The Board adopted the following report, which fully 
covers the question of an age limit. 

"It is now more than fifteen years since the Ep- 
worth League was born. Many of our most useful and 
honored members have literally grown old in the service. 
Without realizing themselves the advancement of years, 
they have become gray in hair, even if green and fresh 
in heart and spirit. These brethren and sisters, loved 
and respected by all, little appreciate, perhaps, that the 
little boys and girls of 1889, when the League came 
into being, are now the young men and women who most 
need the benefits which come from active participation in 
the Chapter work. Our older friends, many of whom 
have not missed a League meeting during these years, 



38 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



and who take an active interest in every department of 
the League work, have overlooked the important fact 
that the difference in age acts as a barrier to perfect free- 
dom on the part of the younger people. For this reason 
we feel that the older people should exercise the most 
delicate tact and the most Christlike spirit, making every 
effort to put themselves in the background in accepting 
office and presuming to dictate the management of the 
Chapter. In many instances, indeed, would it not be well 
for some of us older ones to retire from active member- 
ship in the League, except so far as outside encourage- 
ment and loyalty to League ideals go? At any rate, we 
feel that the attention of our older members should be 
called to the importance of this subject. 

"While this is largely a matter of locality, yet it is a 
question in the mind of your committee whether or not 
a person above thirty years of age should hold office or 
be conspicuously active in many of our Chapters. Should 
there be, in any community, a large number of Epworth- 
ians who have passed the age suggested, or who nat- 
urally associate with older persons, would it not be wise 
to form a class of Senior Epworthians, leaving the 
League itself to the members between the class and its 
graduates from the Junior League ? 

"This class, perhaps, would not attempt all the ac- 
tivities of the Chapter, but could act in the line of some 
department, or department of special interest in the 
locality in question, or could do such specified work as 
may be mutually agreeable to the class and Chapter. At 
stated intervals this class could report to the Chapter and 
thus keep in touch with the League itself. 

"Our desire is not to drive from the League any per- 
son, young or old, but rather to arrange matters so that 
disparity in ages and ability may not embarrass any 



THE ORGANIZATION OF A CHAPTER. 39 



Chapter, or preclude the active participation therein of 
the younger people, and yet all will retain membership 
in and be identified with the Epworth League." 

It has been suggested already, that at the second meet- 
ing of the Chapter the question of the pledge should be 
considered. Should it be adopted or not? Here is a 
short and simple answer to that question. Adopt the 
pledge wherever it is possible. But it can not be made an 
essential everywhere. Some Chapters for a time may be 
better without it. If the pledge is adopted, do not make 
it easy for professing Christians to become associate 
members. Associate membership was not provided for 
actual Christians. It can have no meaning for them. 

Keep the associate membership list as low as possible, 
not by the exclusion of any one, but by the steady pro- 
motion of associate members. That is to say, win over 
associate members to Christ and His Church, and so 
make active members out of them. 

The: Nominating Committee. 

The Nominating Committee, which was chosen at the 
preliminary meeting, should invite the pastor to meet 
with it. His counsel and suggestions will be invaluable. 
Then let the Chapter members trust the committee to 
select the best available material to fill the offices. It is 
not wise to make random nominations for officers in open 
meeting. And it is almost never wise to have two tickets 
in the field at an election. The committee will do its best 
work if it is free to choose those members who, in its 
opinion, will make the best available officers. Then, un- 
less there are very weighty reasons against it, accept the 
committee's report at its face value and elect the nomi- 
nees. 

The Nominating Committee should, of course, take 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



plenty of time for its work. The whole situation should 
be completely canvassed, and perfect frankness should 
be the rule. Consider all the possible material for offi- 
cers. Discuss the whole subject with the utmost free- 
dom, and yet with unfailing Christian courtesy. Weigh 
well the qualifications of every suggested nominee. The 
committee is in charge of a confidential business. It is 
taken for granted that whatever is said about individuals 
in the committee meetings is not to be repeated outside, 
any more than the things that transpire in a Bishop's 
Cabinet at an Annual Conference are to be retailed out- 
side of the Cabinet-room. 

The President and Vice-Presidents. 

The officers of an Epworth League Chapter can help 
or hinder the work of the Chapter more than any other 
individuals in it. As is the Cabinet, so will be the Chap- 
ter. 

The officers can increase the effectiveness of the in- 
dividual members very largely, and can utilize the ear- 
nestness and zeal of the entire membership by careful and 
yet aggressive planning. A Chapter which is apparently 
about to die can be saved to life and usefulness by the de- 
votedness and wisdom of its officers. 

A few words concerning each office is not out of place 
here, though the departments are considered at greater 
length in another part of this book. 

The President. — It is understood, of course, that the 
President must be a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. But there are some other qualifications which 
an Epworth League President must have, if the largest 
possible good is to come to the Chapter from his leader- 
ship. He must be eager to accomplish real results, He 
should be systematic in his plans, not planning more than 



THE ORGANIZATION OK A CHAPTER. 41 



ought to be wisely attempted in one term of office. But 
it is as great a fault to be too conservative as to be too 
sanguine. The probabilities are that something more 
than the conservative folks expect can be accomplished 
before the next election. 

The President should have the ability to set other 
people to work. That is one of the chief reasons for 
electing him. He is to be supervisor, director, leader. 
The more he can get others to do, the more he will find 
to do himself, and it will be all the more effective be- 
cause others are at work. 

He is not called to do the work of the departments. 
There may be times when he must step into the breach 
and fill a place that otherwise would be left open, but 
as a rule the less he does of work which other people 
could do, the better. 

The President's greatest work and largest usefulness 
will be made manifest in the meetings of the Cabinet. 
There his resourcefulness and his courage will mean 
everything to the work of his colleagues. There he will 
need to feel that every activity of the Chapter concerns 
him. In every meeting he is interested more than any 
other member. Every committee and every department 
will welcome his presence and profit by his help, when- 
ever plans are being made and executed. 

First Vice-President. — The First Vice-President is in- 
trusted with a place of superlative responsibility. Three 
great tasks are committed to him, the direction of the 
weekly devotional meeting, the organization of the Chap- 
ter for Bible study, and the provision of systematic study 
in Christian experience and personal evangelism. A suc- 
cessful accomplishment of these tasks will require that 
he must be both spiritual and intelligent. He must be- 
lieve in the spiritual value of the devotional meeting. He 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



must count it a meeting both for direct and deferred re- 
sults. It should be his aim to make it largely evangel- 
istic and wisely constructive, so that the unconverted 
may be won and the young converts may be helped in 
the early days of their Christian life. 

This officer ought to become fully accustomed to the 
sound of his own voice in public. If he has not been so 
hitherto he must learn by constant practice. He must 
be a lover of his Bible, and if his incumbency of this 
office drives him to a closer, more continuous, and more 
devotional study of the Book, his term will be as great 
a blessing to him as it will be to the Chapter. 

The First Vice-President should hold himself ready 
to lead any devotional meeting on short notice, in case 
the leader assigned fails to do his part. 

In planning the work of Bible study, the First Vice- 
President will need all the tact and persuasiveness and in- 
telligence that he can command. People will need to be 
convinced of the value of Bible study. Their ordinary 
attitude is one of sentimental belief in it, while actually 
they ignore it. They must be won to cordial support of 
this work. The sustaining of successful Bible study will 
not be possible without, an intelligent study of the prob- 
lems is raises, and all this increases both the opportunity 
and responsibility of the First Vice-President. 

The First Vice-President is called to leadership in 
spiritual things. He needs to be an inspiring Christian 
in his ideals and conduct, attracting the members to the 
highest standard of personal life, not only by his example, 
but by plain and loving speech. He can not afford to 
keep any member in ignorance of the priceless privileges 
of the Christian. He is in a peculiar sense the successor 
and heir of the old-time class-leader, who dealt with his 
members directly, concerning their progress in grace. 



THE ORGANIZATION OF A CHAPTER. 



He will organize and supervise, wherever it is possible, 
classes for the study of Christian experience, as more 
fully set forth in another chapter. 

And the work of personal evangelism, now happily 
bulking so large in the activities of Epworthians, is 
largely dependent on the zeal and discretion of the First 
Vice-President. He it is who must articulate and sys- 
tematize the efforts of the fellow-workers in the Chap- 
ter, if there are already those who have taken the cove- 
nant, and he must be constantly recommending and ex- 
tending the use of the covenant to members who have not 
thus far enrolled. To do all this he must have the spirit 
of an evangelist, eagerly enthusiastic in the work of lead- 
ing young people to Jesus Christ. 

Second Vice-President. — The Second Vice-President 
is in charge of the Department of Epworth League 
work, which was created in May, 1903. It goes with- 
out saying that he must be a practical believer in world 
evangelism, and all which it implies. He must be a mis- 
sionary enthusiast. If possible, he should be a Christian 
Steward. He will need to cultivate an intimate acquaint- 
ance with the various benevolent enterprises of the 
Church. The study of the great Christian benevolences, 
which is now admitted to be one of the most important 
branches of League work, will succeed or fail according 
as he is faithful or indifferent. 

Third Vice-President. — It is not too much to say that 
the Department of Mercy and Help has done more than 
any other one thing to develop the spirit of Christian 
kindliness and practical benevolences which exists in so 
large measure among the young people of the Church. 
The work of this department is popular, and readily wins 
the approval of the public mind. But it is toilsome work, 
and the Third Vice-President will need large devotion 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



and constant consecration of all powers to the work of 
the department. This officer should be a sympathetic 
lover of men and women and of children. The work of 
systematic visitation, when wisely done, may be of the 
\ ery highest value to the Church. Care for the poor and 
sick is a fruitful and yet laborious task. The great work 
of the temperance reform, with its need for careful study 
as well as strong conviction, which is being more widely 
undertaken by the Epworth League than in former years, 
is committed to this department. The tactful, and in 
many communities absolutely necessary, teaching of the 
principles of social purity, belongs to the Third Vice- 
President. 

Of course, the Third Vice-President will be inspired 
by the knowledge that everything done in this depart- 
ment is meant to bring people into the kingdom. All 
the ministries of comfort and love which spring up in 
this department have their explanation and source in the 
love wherewith Christ hath loved us, and to forget this 
is to rob the work of most of its. power. . Mercy and 
Help work must exalt,, not the department, nor the Chap- 
ter, but the Christ, and carried on in this spirit may be 
made a marvelous evangelizing agency. 

Fourth Vice-President. — The legislation of May, 
1903, doubled the work of the Fourth Vice-President, by 
combining the old third and fourth departments into one. 
The incumbent of this office requires now more than ever 
to be both intellectual and social. Whatever literary 
work the Chapter may do will be done under the direction 
of this department, and the social life in the Church and 
Chapter will very largely depend upon it. In many 
Chapters the most important work of this department 
will be the securing of new members. This work de- 
mands a vital interest in the Chapter and a thoroughly 



THE ORGANIZATION OF A CHAPTER. 45 



human interest in the people whom it is sought to reach. 
They must be sought mainly for their own sake. To 
seek members in order that the membership list of the 
Chapter may be enlarged is to defeat the very purposes 
for which the Chapter is organized. The Chapter exists 
for its members, not the members for the Chapter. 

In the work of this department there is danger that 
we shall forget its need of definite religious purpose. 
The Chapter is a perfect dynamo of life and power, be- 
cause it is made up of people whose life forces are at 
their highest and fullest strength. But the joy of living, 
to which the department ministers, must not be the mere 
exuberance of youthful spirits ; it can be made a mighty 
means of winning the young and light-hearted to a Savior 
who, instead of robbing them of their gladness, will give 
it a new, an abiding, and a more gracious meaning. 

Official Recognition. 

At the first Quarterly Conference after the election of 
officers, the name of the President should be submitted 
to the Quarterly Conference for its approval and for 
election to membership in that body. He becomes thus 
the official link between the League and the Church. 

The names of all the officers should be sent as soon 
as possible after the election to the Central Office of the 
Epworth League, 57 Washington Street, Chicago, and a 
charter secured from the same office. The charters are 
of three kinds, a card charter, which is free ; a large 
charter in blue and gold, which is furnished for 25 cents ; 
and a still larger and more elaborate document, beau- 
tifully engraved and engrossed, the price of which is 
$1.00. This last charter is in all respects the best. Wher- 
ever possible it is the one which should be secured. It 



46 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



should be appropriately framed and hung in a con- 
spicuous place in the room where the Chapter meets. 

The Unveiling oe the Charter. 

After a Chapter has been organized and recognized by 
the Central Office of the Epworth League, the first pub- 
lic meeting of the Chapter should have a place on its 
program for the unveiling of the charter. 

The charter is the certificate of a great fellowship. 
The young people of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
are banded for the winning of the young people to Jesus 
Christ. The new Chapter has come into that union of 
effort, to be a part of it and to make its work more ef- 
fective. The charter is the visible sign of that, and of 
much more. It grants rights and privileges, stands for 
certain truths and beliefs, and certifies to enrollment and 
recognition. 

Let the charter be draped with the Epworth League 
colors, so arranged that they will conceal it until the 
moment of unveiling. The pastor, or some other speaker, 
should take advantage of the occasion to make an in- 
spiring and convincing address, and at the proper mo- 
ment a slight pull at the cords which hold the draperies 
will draw them back and reveal the charter. 

Organizing the Departments. 

The plan of the Epworth League is now nearly ideal. 
It is intended to provide for every form of social, moral 
and religious activity among the young people of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

In the first department the spiritual life is cultivated. 
Emphasis is placed upon private and public prayer, on 
witness-bearing, on the study of the Bible for personal 
spiritual growth, on the study of Christian experience 



THE ORGANIZATION OF A CHAPTER. 47 



and personal evangelism, and on the actual evangeliza- 
tion of the young people of the community. 

In the second department there is opportunity to take 
up and study the work of the Kingdom of God in its 
greater aspects, looking out upon the world-wide field 
and facing the varied avenues through which the prog- 
ress of the Kingdom of God is to be secured. 

In the third department the emphasis is upon service 
and sacrifice, the union of those who love in behalf of 
those who suffer. This work is philanthropic, reform- 
atory, and constructive. 

In the fourth department the intellectual and social 
natures are recognized and provided for, and the means 
secured by which those who are outside the Epworth 
League may be attracted to its membership, and, through 
its influence, led into Christian life and work. 

All these phases of Epworth League work are essen- 
tial if we would secure a well-rounded Christian char- 
acter. In some form or other the work of ever}- depart- 
ment can be carried on, wherever it is possible to or- 
ganize a Chapter at all. 

The plan of the Epworth League provides for every 
member. "To every man his work." There can be a 
definite place for every individual, with duties easily un- 
derstood, and with real service and personal growth in- 
volved in every duty. The League works on the theory 
that we are all members one of another. What one does 
for another in the first department, for example, may be 
returned to him in service of equal value by the fourth 
department. 

Organize all the departments. In some places local 
conditions will put stronger emphasis on one or the other 
of the four, or on one phase or another of the different 



48 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



departments, but no Chapter can do its full work without 
attempting at least something in each department. 

Assign the membership to the various departments, as 
personal fitness and the needs of the work may suggest. 
It will be well if each department has a large committee, 
so that the various subdivisions of department work may 
each be provided with workers specially charged with 




responsibility for the success of that work. Let the de- 
partment committees be subdivided according to the 
scheme of the Epworth Cross. For example, in the first 
department there will be sub-committees on the devo- 
tional meeting, on personal evangelism, Bible and other 
study classes, the Morning Watch, the Sunday-school, 
special meetings, and the Junior League. The second 
department will have a sub-committee on each of the fol- 
lowing divisions of the work: Church benevolences, 



THE ORGANIZATION OF A CHAPTER. 



Christian stewardship, study of missions and allied benev- 
olences, Missionary Library, missionary meetings. The 
third department can use sub-committees on these forms 
of service : Systematic visitation, co-operation with hos- 
pitals and , other organized charities, temperance study 
and work, and good citizenship. The fourth department 
may arrange for sub-committees on the following: Lec- 
ture courses, The Bpworth Herald, the Epworth League 
Library, socials and entertainments, securing new mem- 
bers, and music. 

The: Assigning of Members to Their Work. 

This belongs to the Cabinet. The entire list of mem- 
bers should be gone over, and each member definitely as- 
signed to one of the departments. The arrangement of 
sub-committees may wisely be left to the Vice-President 
in charge of each department. It is not best to make an 
entire change of assignments every year. A good work- 
ing minority, at least, of members who have had some 
experience in a department should be retained, as a nu- 
cleus around which to gather the department forces. 

When persons are elected to membership in the Chap- 
ter they should be assigned at once to department work. 
A brief delay at the beginning of membership may make 
it difficult later to secure the member's active co-opera- 
tion. 

Meetings. 

Much of the work of an Epworth League Chapter is 
done by and in meetings. There is room for a large 
variety of gatherings, and each of them may be made 
indispensable in the work of the Chapter. 

The central meeting, of course, is the weekly devo- 
tional meeting. It should be held every week, without 
interruption, except when circumstances absolutely pre- 
4 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



vent its assembling. That means a meeting every week 
when the church doors can be open for anything at all. 
This meeting is the heart of the League. It is the place 
of power. It is the general gathering place. More 
members are present than at any other time. But there 
is not room here to do more than hint at the possibilities 
of this devotional meeting. For a complete discussion of 
its work and methods see chapter V. 

The business meeting is of large importance. Shall 
it be held monthly, or semi-monthly, or bi-monthly ? All 
things considered, most Chapters will find the once-a- 
month business meeting most satisfactory, especially if 
some social feature is combined with it. For a fuller dis- 
cussion of the business meeting see Chapter IV. 

There will be frequent department meetings. These, 
of course, will be small as to attendance, but a large 
amount of distinctly constructive work will be done in 
them. They should be in charge of the various Vice- 
Presidents. Some departments will meet more, and some 
less, frequently. But all should hold meetings often 
enough so that the members of each department will 
have an understanding of their work and a sense of the 
responsibility which belongs to it. The heads of the sub- 
committees should frequently meet informally, so that 
they may understand each other's work and not overlap 
each other's territory. 

There are some departmental committee meetings 
which must be held at certain periods, . because of the 
needs of the work. The first department's committee on 
devotional meetings will necessarily meet twice a year, 
to assign leaders for the weekly meetings. This is im- 
portant work, and ought not to be left to the judgment or 
inclination of a single individual. This same committee 
may arrange to hold a preliminary prayer-meeting just 



THE ORGANIZATION OK A CHAPTER. 51 



before the weekly devotional meeting, inviting the more 
earnest members to unite in a few minutes of prayer for 
the success of the larger gathering. This is done in 
many places with great benefit. 

The study class committees, in the Bible, in the benev- 
olences, and in other subjects, will each hold an im- 
portant meeting early in the fall, well in advance of the 
Rally-days. They will plan for class work and prepare 
for the proper observation of these study Rally-days. 
After the classes are organized, the class activities will 
furnish a good opportunity for occasional meetings of the 
respective committees. Their members may join in the 
work of the class, and tarry awhile at the close to dis- 
cuss the situation, and to consider means of enlarging 
and improving the work committed to them. 

These smaller meetings may seem to call for the 
spending of a good deal of time over trifles. But they 
are not trifles at all. In these smaller gatherings one 
single interest dominates. There is unity of purpose, 
direct location of responsibility, opportunity for the sur- 
vey of the field of work, and time to consider definite 
action. The smaller number makes for informality and 
freedom, and there can be entire frankness and fullness 
of discussion. 



CHAPTER IV. 



SUPERVISING THE CHAPTER'S WORK. 
The: Pr£side;nt. 

The: President of an Epworth League Chapter needs 
four things, spirituality, sense, tact, and grit. 

The first goes without saying. The President of an 
organization with such high spiritual purposes as those 
of an Epworth League Chapter, would be utterly helpless 
and lost if he were not a spiritually-minded Christian. 
Pie would find at unnumbered places in his work that its 
requirements and problems would be entirely beyond his 
power to meet. Much of its work would be entirely 
meaningless to a mere nominal Christian, and the respon- 
sibility which belongs to the President would be a load 
upon him so great that he would either resign at once, 
as he should, or keep up the hopeless attempt to be some- 
thing that he has not become, and he and the Chapter 
would suffer with every succeeding week. 

The word sense is so large and comprehensive that 
if all it involves can be found in one Chapter President, 
that Chapter will possess a jewel. It means that he must 
understand folks, and understand the work to which he 
is committed. He will need to be able to see the differ- 
ence between mere visionary schemes and real plans for 
practical work. 

And tact — who shall define that word? But the idea 
for which it stands is perfectly understood. The Epworth 

52 



SUPERVISING THE CHAPTER'S WORK. 53 



League President is in charge of a work which deals 
with many people, possessing many peculiarities. He 
must be, in Paul's sense, and with Paul's motive, all 
things to all men. He must know how to reduce friction, 
to smooth over the little inequalities which occur in all 
associated effort. Without offensive self-assertion he 
must make himself a necessary friend of the pastor and 
of the Sunday-school Superintendent, and especially of 
the Cabinet and membership of the Chapter. He must be 
firm and yet gentle ; vigorous and yet tender ; exacting 
and yet considerate; business-like and yet forbearing; 
hoping all things, believing all things, enduring all things. 

Grit is a modern Americanism for an energetic cour- 
age that will not be denied. There are many opportuni- 
ties in religious work for discouragement, and for letting 
things alone. These opportunities are temptations, and 
the President who yields has not only missed his mark 
as President, but he has wasted the powers and possi- 
bilities of the entire membership. Grit does not welcome 
obstacles, but it does not give in to them. It makes a 
positive program and sticks to it, determined that what- 
ever is humanly possible shall be done. 

The President of the Epworth League should be en- 
tirely satisfactory to the pastor. These two must work 
together so closely that it would be unwise to select a 
President with whom the pastor could not hold the most 
cordial and intimate friendship. 

Some: Marks of a Good President. 

He will be a loyal and intelligent Methodist. 
He will be careful in appointing constitutional com- 
mittees. 

He will be quick to note and to welcome strangers in 
the meeting. 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



He will be a regular and discriminating reader of 
The Bpworth Herald. 

He will keep constantly in mind the real purpose of 
the Epworth League. 

He will be an unobtrusive assistant of the Sunday- 
school Superintendent. 

He will learn how to make announcements briefly, im- 
pressively, and effectively. 

He will be a good, common-sense parliamentarian, 
Not finical, not fanciful, but firm. 

He will be able to enlist others in the service; to set 
them at work without coaxing, scolding, or pouting. 

He will see to it that nothing dies on his hands or 
on the hands of the Epworth League. If any work needs 
to be discontinued, he will insist on its being done form- 
ally and definitely. 

Lest these things should discourage somebody, let it 
be said that all of these qualifications can be acquired by 
any ordinarily intelligent young Christian if he is deter- 
mined to do his best for his Chapter, his Church, and 
his Lord. 

He will be quietly training several members to take 
his place. His term of office is not for life, and he de- 
sires that the Chapter shall prosper after his official ca- 
reer ends. So he will be on the watch for available Presi- 
dent-timber, and will tactfully do his best to develop its 
powers. 

He will do most of his work away from the public 
eye. It is not necessary that all the processes of League 
work be made plain, and the President can render more 
service by being an inspirer and director of others, than 
if he were to do all the work himself. 

He will be a ready and satisfactory filler of vacant 
places, ready to step in at a moment's notice to take 



SUPERVISING THE CHAPTER'S WORK. 55 



charge of some League interest which is threatened with 
disaster because of the absence of a leader. Of course he 
will not obtrude himself, reserving his strength for real 
emergencies. 

He will plan his work at the beginning of the term 
as a general plans his campaigns, making an outline of 
the things to be attempted this year. For example, more 
Bible study, more mission study, more study of the Chris- 
tian life, personal evangelism, the benevolences, and 
Christian stewardship, a workable plan of systematic 
visitation, the development of the associate members, the 
stirring up of the Chapter on the question of systematic 
giving, or any one of a dozen other things that may well 
be attempted in the course of a single term. 

He will be confidential with the heads of departments, 
seeking to understand their problems and difficulties, and 
offering all the help possible in the solution of them. He 
will be a systematic friend and counselor of the Junior 
Superintendent. He will remember that he is ex-ofhcio 
a member of each department, but he will not usurp the 
place of any Vice-President ; he will suggest, rather than 
dictate, what may wisely be done. He will attend as 
many department meetings as possible, and will try to get 
the departments to arrange their meetings so that he may 
attend. 

He will carry a fair-sized Epworth League note- 
book with him always. In it he will have a list of all 
members, with their addresses. It will contain the de- 
partment lists, each under the name of its chairman. 
There will be pages for ideas and plans, each marked for 
its proper department, so that at the business-meeting the 
President will have an abundance of suggestive material. 
Other pages will be reserved for special items, for lists 
of delegates to conventions, for dates of coming events, 



56 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



for class lists, book lists, and, in short, anything of 
League interest which would be lost but for the note- 
book. 

Added to all this the President will need a good tem- 
per, large patience, and a sunny, optimistic outlook on 
life. Then he can be a good President, whether of a 
large Chapter or of a small one. 

The) Cabinet. <S 

The Cabinet of an Epworth League Chapter is a 
peculiar and distinctive feature of the organization. It 
is the heart of the Chapter. It is more than an Execu- 
tive Committee, for every activity of the Chapter, in 
every department, is represented here. 

The Cabinet is the body which sifts, discusses, and 
puts into shape for consideration, all the varied items of 
business which later will require action by the entire. 
Chapter. The Cabinet is therefore a time-saving organ- 
ization. It unifies the work of the Chapter. It co-ordi- 
nates the operations of the various departments, strength- 
ening the weak places by applying to them the overplus 
of strength which is developed elsewhere. It considers 
details more fully than the Chapter can consider them 
in a business-meeting. It is not hampered by any rules 
of debate, or any restriction, except the ordinary rules of 
courteous conversation. 

The Cabinet is a clearing-house for the entire Chap- 
ter. All the resources of the Chapter are centered here. 
The officers can see the defects of the work before anv 
one else, and may perhaps repair them without making 
them public at all. 

The Cabinet may be of exceeding value to the pastor. 
If he can consider this central body as his general staff 
he can keep his fingers on the keys of Epworth League 
power. 



SUPERVISING THE CHAPTER'S WORK. 57 



The members of the Cabinet will know what is being 
thought and said and done among the younger members 
of his Church, with a definiteness which few of the older 
members can possess concerning each other. 

Through the cabinet the pastor may very often set 
in motion plans and purposes which are urgently needed, 
but which it may be difficult or unwise for him to at- 
tempt directly. 

The Cabinet is composed of all the constitutional offi- 
cers of the Chapter, including the Junior Superintendent. 
This does not include such officers as chorister, organist, 
auditor, etc. The pastor, of course, is ex-ofhcio a mem- 
ber. 

The Cabinet must plan for a regular and fully-at- 
tended meeting, preferably once a month. This ought 
to be insisted upon, and attendance at the meeting should 
be expected of each officer, as a part of his ordinary duty. 
Hold these meetings, if possible, at a fixed place, and 
preferably in the home of one of the members. Let the 
Secretary's notification be regular and definite., so that 
no member can possibly have any excuse for forgetting 
the recurrence of the stated session. 

The Cabinet meeting is not a particularly formal af- 
fair, and its business may be transacted without undue 
attention to the necessity of parliamentary discussion. 
'There will be the utmost frankness and freedom of ex- 
pression, of course, and many of the things that are said 
in the discussion will properly be considered as privileged 
communications, not to be talked about outside the Cab- 
inet group. The informality of the Cabinet meeting, 
however, should not be made, an excuse for puttering, or 
frittering away the time. There is a way by which im- 
portant matters may be attended to promptly without sac- 
rificing the freedom of a friendly face-to-face consul- 
tation. 



58 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



The great business of the Cabinet, in the beginning 
of its work, should be to see that every member of the 
Chapter has a chance and a place. It should distribute 
the work well, with reference not only to the needs of 
the work, but also to the needs of the individual mem- 
bers. It will seek to develop each of them in all the 
things that go to make up a well-rounded Epworthian. 

This assignment of the members to. departments 
should be made at the first meeting of the Cabinet after 
its election. No member should be omitted from the 
scheme of assignment, except for entirely sufficient rea- 
son. Do not consider that it is necessary to have ex- 
actly so many members in each department. Be flexible. 
Some departments will need more members than others, 
and some members ought to be especially interested in 
one department rather than another. 

At every Cabinet meeting each department should be 
represented. If the chairman can not be present, he 
should send some member of his committee who is famil- 
iar with the department work. 

It will be well to hear all the reports from the de- 
partments before taking up the recommendations which 
the various members will make. After all reports have 
been heard, recommendations can be considered, not only 
on their own merits, but in relation to each other, and 
intelligent and harmonious action can be taken. 

The Secretary will keep a sufficient record of the Cab- 
inet proceedings so that he can make a clear and concise 
report to the business meeting of the Chapter. This 
record of the proceedings should be read at the close of 
the Cabinet meeting, especially if the Cabinet meets a 
few days before the regular monthly business meeting 
of the Chapter, as in most cases it will. 

At the business meeting of the Chapter, the Secretary 



SUPERVISING THE CHAPTER'S WORK. 59 

will present the proceedings of the Cabinet, so far as 
they involve recommendations to the Chapter for action. 
In most matters the Cabinet can not act on its own initia- 
tive. It can study the interests of the Chapter carefully, 
discuss proposed plans, while they are yet only plans and 
not definite policies, and so can relieve the business meet- 
ing of any necessity for discussing unprofitable things, 
or for discussing profitable things in an unprofitable way. 
It can keep the balance between departments, and pre- 
vent disorder and clash of interests. 

In every way the usefulness of the Cabinet is entirely 
sufficient to justify all effort to keep it in perfect work- 
ing order. 

The following is a suggestive order of business for 
the Cabinet meeting : 

1. Devotional moments. 

2. Roll call. 

3. The record of the last meeting read for information. 

4. Reports from the officers of all work done during 
the month. 

5. Recommendations from the several officers, of 
plans and methods, for consideration. 

6. Consideration of applications for membership. 

7. Assignment of members to departments. Trans- 

fers between departments. 

8. Are there any members who need special attention? 

9. What should be the important feature of the next 
business meeting? 1 See Chap. V, "A new interest," 
etc.) 

10. Miscellaneous business. 

11. Reading of the record of the meeting. 

12. Adjournment. 

The Cabinet may help greatly in the work of the 
Church by arranging a conference with the Sunday- 



6o epworth league methods. 



school Board. At this conference these questions would 
naturally arise : How can the Sunday-school enlarge 
the membership of the Chapter? How can the Chapter 
increase the efficiency of the school? Are there any 
points at which the work of the two bodies seems to con- 
flict? If so, what can be done to remedy the difficulty? 

If difficulty is found in getting the department com- 
mittees together, the following plan will often be of 
value. Set apart one night in the month as committee 
night, when all the committees shall meet at the church, 
each committee going to its own part of the room. The 
committees may take an hour for the consideration of 
their work, after which will come an informal social 
time, shared in by all the committee members present. 

In dealing with the question of membership the Cab- 
inet will need much wisdom and Christian charity. All 
applications for membership are first submitted to the 
Cabinet. Now, the Chapter is not a club, from which 
all uncongenial persons may properly be excluded. It is 
rather a company of people seeking to be of the largest 
possible service to one another and to the world outside. 
Personal considerations must not be allowed to control 
in the admission of members. The Cabinet, which de- 
cides whether an applicant shall be recommended or not, 
possesses thus a power of exclusion which should be 
rarely exercised. The Chapter, for its own sake and 
for the sake of the work, should secure as many new 
members as possible. It may not be easy to see how a 
proposed member may be of value to the Chapter, or the 
Chapter to him, if he should be elected. But it is net 
difficult to see that there will be no value given or re- 
ceived on either side if the candidate is excluded. 

It is better to err on the side of admitting to mem- 
bership doubtful candidates, provided that the Chapter 



SUPERVISING THE CHAPTER'S WORK. 61 

has sufficient vitality and grace to make sure that the 
new members will not lower the standard of the Chap- 
ter's life. Standing in Christ's stead, the Epworth 
League member is come to seek and to save that which 
was lost, and the Christ-method of accomplishing that 
holy work is the method of personal association. The 
"doubtful" candidate may be just the one who has most 
need of the Chapter's help and influence, and who will 
most completely justify any sacrifice of inclination and 
taste which his admission may make necessary. 

It will be found helpful at times if the Cabinet will 
call the roll of the entire membership. As the names 
are called, there will be opportunity for suggestion and 
information concerning each member. The main ques- 
tions should be, "What can we do for this member, that 
we are not now doing?" and "What more can that mem- 
ber be induced to do for the Chapter and the Church?" 
In raising these questions the special interests represented 
by the various members of the Cabinet will be enlisted. 
In one case the Third Vice-President may have just the 
answer that is needed ; in another the Secretary may fur- 
nish the suggestion; in another the chairman of the 
Mercy and Help Department. 

When it becomes necessary to exclude any member 
from the Chapter, the Cabinet has the delicate duty of 
recommending such action. The accused member has the 
right to appear, not before the Chapter, but before the 
Cabinet, and to be heard there in his own behalf. If, after 
such hearing, it is considered by any that exclusion is 
the safe and Christian thing, two-thirds vote of the Cab- 
inet is required. Unless there are extraordinary reasons 
for some other action, the recommendation of the Cabi- 
net should be adopted by the Chapter. 

At the beginning of a new term of office the wise 



62 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Cabinet adopts a policy which it will attempt to carry 
out during the twelve months to come. The advantage 
of focusing effort and interest on a definite program is 
evident enough. An incidental gain of this plan is that 
every department may be given proper attention. Thus 
the Chapter will grow symmetrically, and avoid the criti- 
cism that its interest is all absorbed by one favorite 
project. 

The Epworth League Chapter here may utilize one of 
the ideas of a modern business house. Immediately fol- 
lowing the election of officers put in a conspicuous place 
a box with a slotted lid, labeled "Suggestions." Make 
known the fact that the Cabinet desires to secure all pos- 
sible light on the work that should be done, and appeal 
to every member for help. Some may hesitate to speak 
in open meeting who could furnish valuable ideas, either 
by way of friendly criticism of present policies, or in 
the suggestion of new and better things to .do. Call for 
written hints, to be dropped into the suggestion-box dur- 
ing the month. If it is thought best, these suggestions 
may be left unsigned, so as to permit the utmost freedom. 
Such "Suggestions" may point out the wisdom of adopt- 
ing certain things as part of the program or policy drawn 
up by the Cabinet. 

The Business Meeting. 

For intelligent understanding of the Chapter's work 
and the proper conduct of its business, a periodical busi- 
ness meeting is necessary. A monthly meeting is pref- 
erable to one held more frequently, and in an active 
Chapter it is not likely that a meeting at longer intervals 
would be sufficient for the needs of the work. Of course, 
no Epworth League Chapter will hold a business meet-, 
ing on Sunday. Indeed, it is not wise to let any secular 



SUPERVISING THE CHAPTER'S WORK. 63 



items of business intrude into the devotional meeting, un- 
less under stress of extraordinary circumstances. 

The question of a quorum will be settled early in the 
life of a Chapter. The fact that the business meeting is 
held at a stated time, and that full announcement is made 
of the meeting as it draws near, gives sufficient publicity 
so that all members who desire may arrange to attend, 
A large quorum requirement usually serves no better 
purpose than to cripple the business of the Chapter, and 
to alienate the interest of those who may come once or 
twice, only to find that they have their journey for their 
pains. Better do business with a handful than wait in 
vain for a crowd. 

Make it Sociable. — Wherever it can be done, and there 
are few places where it can not, the monthly business 
meeting should be specially planned for by the Fourth 
Vice-President. Through the co-operation of that offi- 
cer, simple but attractive social features may be pre- 
pared, so that at the close of the business session it will 
be possible to devote thirty minutes or an hour to in- 
formal sociability of the better sort. 

There are advantages in holding the business meeting 
at a private house, if the Chapter is not too large. But 
unless it can be made perfectly convenient for friends of 
the Chapter to open their homes for this purpose with- 
out serious disarrangement, the meetings should be held 
in the church. Do not trespass on good nature. Then 
you will be the more welcome on these rare occasions 
when you really need to ask for the opening of a private 
home for your meeting. 

Attend to Business. — Although, as has been sug- 
gested, the social feature may be made a part of the busi- 
ness meeting, do not depend upon that to attract a large 
attendance. Young people, like other people, are at- 



54 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



tracted by things in which they are interested. If there is 
real business to be done, business that counts, and busi- 
ness that really appeals to the members of the Chapter, 
the business itself will be attractive enough. Most Chap- 
^ ttrs find in the course of a month sufficient real business 
to justify all the interest and enthusiasm of the majority 
of its membership. 

Decently and in Order. — The business meeting is not 
a mob. On the other hand, it is not a great deliberative 
body. The happy medium between these two extremes is 
secured when the Chapter, in its business meetings, is 
subject to simple but definite rules of order. A knowl- 
edge and use of parliamentary law, such as is given in 
Bishop Neely's "Parliamentarian," will make the meet- 
ing not only more resultful, but will lessen the time 
necessary for the consideration of the Chapter's affairs. 
No business meeting can be a permanent success if it is 
a chatter-meeting. On the other hand, it is a real afflic- 
tion when some members of the Chapter are possessed of 
the idea that Roberts's "Rules of Order," or Cushing's 
"Manual" is more important than the actual transaction 
of actual business. 

Those Important Reports. — The various officers of 
the Chapter will make monthly reports. The reports will 
cover what was done and planned during the preceding 
month, and perhaps what is proposed for the month to 
come. The members should consider that it is their 
special duty to discuss these reports. Of course, it will 
be remembered that the discussion is for conference and 
for results, and not for empty criticism. The less of the 
faultfinding spirit or of the spirit of carping objection 
the better for the Chapter. 

Reports Must be Written. — The reports of the offi- 
cers and committees should be written. This can not be 
too strortgly insisted upon. A written report will be pre- 



SUPERVISING THE CHAPTER'S WORK. 65 



pared with at least a little care to its contents. A verbal 
report may be anything or nothing, with the chances 
vastly in favor of its being as near nothing as the con- 
science of the officer concerned will allow. A written re- 
port abides. It is there next month. Last year's record 
is valuable for comparison, for encouragement, or, it may 
be, for warning. The Secretary can not be too careful 
about the filing and preserving of these reports. It may 
seem a matter of small importance, but in a large measure 
the work of the Chapter will be indicated and influenced 
by the sort of reports its officers get into the habit of 
making. 

A Nezv Interest Every Month. — It will be a great 
help to the business meeting if each succeeding month a 
fresh center of interest can be found. Some department 
of the Chapter's work can be given right of way, so that 
the entire Chapter may focus its thought and interest on 
that one particular point. 

Electing Members. — The business meeting receives 
recommendations for membership from the Cabinet, and 
elects candidates to membership. The electing must be 
done in business meeting, but for the sake of the Chap- 
ter and for the sake of the new members they ought to 
be received in some formal and public way. This may be 
done, very briefly, but with sufficient impressiveness, at 
the first regular devotional meeting following the busi- 
ness session. 

Quite frequently it will be found helpful to have a 
paper or discussion of Epworth League work in a broader 
and more general way than is possible when discussing 
the specific problems of the Chapter. Arrange a quiz; 
invite a district officer ; have a debate on some question 
of League policy. These things will broaden the Chap- 
ter's interest in the League as a connectional institution. 
5 



66 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Use Your Pastor. — The attendance of the pastor at 
business meetings should be secured by all means. Do 
not encourage him to think that the young people prefer 
his room to his company. If they are properly consti- 
tuted it is not true, and for the pastor's sake as well as 
for the best interest of the Chapter, it ought never to be 
true. He needs the Chapter, and is needed by it. He 
will get and give a large measure of help. 

Two Danger Signals. — There are two dangers which 
lie in the path of an Ep worth League business meeting. 
One is that it will degenerate into a perfunctory perform- 
ance, without life or vigor or interest. If that happens 
the attendance will decrease, the work of the Chapter 
will languish, and the securing of new recruits will not 
be accomplished, because nobody will care to ask them 
and they will not care to come. 

The other danger is that the interest in the various 
plans and enterprises of the Chapter will be so intense 
that feelings may be overstrained, and a spirit of un- 
friendly rivalry, or even jealousy, may creep in. 

Both of these hindrances may be avoided by remem- 
bering that the business meeting is intrusted with in- 
terests that are of the greatest importance to our Lord's 
work. The members are set to organize and complete 
their resources for spiritual and permanent results. For 
this reason the business meeting calls for the same prayer- 
ful spirit and the same sense of God's presence as does 
the devotional meeting. With this atmosphere prevail- 
ing, interest will be deeper and more real, personal dif- 
ferences will disappear in a common loyalty to Jesus 
Christ, brotherly love and Christian patience will abound, 
and the business meeting will become a place of the 
keenest interest and yet of the most complete friendliness 
and fellowship 

The Annual Meeting. — Once a year, early in May, as 



SUPERVISING THE CHAPTER'S WORK. 67 



recommended by the Board of Control, the business meet- 
ing will be of unusual importance. Complete reports for 
the year will be presented and considered. 

If the Chapter is wise it will give large and definite 
recognition to all the good work that has been done by 
the retiring officers. Pass a simple but hearty resolution 
of thanks. 

There may be some deficiencies in the finances of the 
Chapter. These should all be provided for at this annual 
business meeting by some proper and adequate method. 

The officers for the year to come are to be elected at 
this meeting. Of course, they will be carefully selected 
from the best available material, and they will be elected 
for business, not for fun, nor from prejudice, nor as a 
mere mark of honor. 

It will probably be possible to present the budget for 
the coming year's activities at the annual meeting, al- 
though in many cases that will be left until the new offi- 
cers have formulated their plans, and can estimate the 
probable cost of carrying them out. 

Every annual meeting ought to mark a distinct ad- 
vance in every feature of the Chapter's work. The Sec- 
retary should read, at some point in the meeting, a com- 
plete summary of the condition of the Chapter as it was 
twelve months before, compared with what it is at the 
date of this meeting. 

A Suggested Program. — A simple program for the 
business meeting, with allowance for any amount of 
variation to suit local and occasional needs, is as follows : 

1. Devotional exercises. 

2. The reading of the minutes of the last meeting. 

3. Unfinished business. 

4. Officers' reports and their discussion. 

5. Recommendations of the Cabinet. 



68 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



6. Election of members. 

7. New Business. 

8 Special. Papers, discussions, or other general 
features. 

9, Reading of the minutes, for information. 
10. Social hour. 

The Date of the Annual Meeting. — Two Boards of 
Control have requested the election of the officers in the 
local Chapters to be held in May. 

Perhaps no other single matter of business adminis- 
tration is of equal importance. It means much to the 
local Chapters. The year of League or Church work be- 
gins after and closes with the summer interruption. May 
elections permit the new Cabinet to employ a period of 
lessened activity in preparing plans and organizing the 
Chapter before the period of hard work begins. The 
officers are thus enabled to make their plans symmetrical 
and complete for a whole year of work, and immensely to 
increase the thoroughness, efficiency, and value of the 
year's work. 

The election of local officers in May permits the Cen- 
tral Office to supply the new officers with all new an- 
nouncements and with whatever information may be 
helpful when it may be useful in making up their plans. 
As all revisions and announcements, the introduction of 
new plans, and the issuing of all publications, requisites, 
and helps will be timed according to this policy, officers 
whose election occurs in May will get the maximum bene- 
fit of these helps. 

The district work will be greatly benefited, as the uni- 
form time of elections will enable district officers to keep 
a perfect file of the local officers for the whole year and 
so maintain a closer touch, better co-operation, greater 
efficiency and larger results. 



CHAPTER V. 



THE DEVOTIONAL MEETING. 

The best thing about the Epworth League is its weekly 
meeting for worship and fellowship. We have become 
so entirely accustomed to it that its high usefulness is 
sometimes overlooked just because the meeting is taken 
for granted. 

But it is a wonderful thing, when you consider it 
carefully, that the young people should have maintained 
this meeting all these years, and that, whatever else of 
League work is abandoned, so long as a Chapter has life 
at all it maintains the weekly devotional meeting. 

The reason for these facts is not far to seek. The 
young people of Methodism find in this meeting oppor- 
tunity for supplying four great needs : the need of wor- 
ship, the need of inspiration, the need of education, and 
the need of service. In the devotional meeting these ele- 
mental demands of young life are in larger or smaller 
measure satisfied. God becomes sensibly near and gra- 
cious, the Christian life becomes a blessedly alluring state, 
intelligence in the things that accompany salvation is de- 
veloped, and multiplied avenues of spiritual and practical 
helpfulness are opened to view. 

The League's devotional meeting differs from the old- 
time prayer-meeting in that it has a theme about which 
the leader seeks to group the meeting's prayer, testimony, 
song, exhortation, and invitation. There are times when 

69 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



the topic holds the meeting in too rigid a grasp, and one 
longs for the freedom of the "social meetings'* of an 
earlier day. 

But for the most part the topics have been and still 
are of the highest usefulness. They encourage and some- 
times compel definite thinking on definite religious 
themes. They make it difficult for members to satisfy 
easy consciences by taking part in slipshod or stereo- 
typed ways. They bring before the young people in 
the course of a year a large variety of subjects, and in- 
vite the study and expression of personal Christian ex- 
perience from almost every conceivable point of view. 
And one convincing proof of the usefulness of the top- 
ical method of conducting the devotional meeting is found 
in the fact that pastors are largely adopting that method 
for the regular Church prayer-meeting. Even class- 
leaders, who have been supposed to be the least yielding 
in their conservatism, have begun to use topics, sometimes 
announcing them months ahead. 

Leading the Meeting. 

The devotional meeting is at the heart of the Epworth 
League. Its possibilities are simply unreckoned. It may 
be made a power in the Church the like of which has not 
been felt since the days of the class-meeting's prime. Or 
it may be a medium for the absolute frittering away of 
every spiritual grace and potency which its attendants 
possess. 

Apart from spiritual deadness, the greatest obstacle 
to the prosperity and power of the devotional meeting is 
scrappiness. One verse of a hymn, two lines of a poem, 
a string of more or less related "references," "sentence 
prayers" — as though prayers could be measured with a 
two-foot rule — these things are too much with us. Each 



THE DEVOTIONAL MEETING. 71 



of them is right and good in its way. But they are so 
common that they have fixed a type, and the type is 
wholly undesirable. 

The "scrap"-meeting method is easy. Half an hour is 
time, enough to prepare for its leadership, and none but 
the leader needs to make the slightest preparation. The 
leader's requisites are, enough printed helps, a concord- 
ance, a pair of scissors, and a supply of paper slips. The 
hymns need not bear on the topic at all. Half a dozen 
will be sung, and five of them are used at three meetings 
out of every four. They are not important, for their 
words long ago ceased to have any meaning. Some of 
them had precious little to begin with. 

The "scrap"-meeting is almost wholly a failure. One 
of its worst effects is that the meeting may seem to have 
been a good one. The singing has been lively, the pray- 
ers numerous, the reading of references prompt, and the 
leader has taken up as much time as usual. 

There is a better way. It is not so easy. No better 
way is. It depends almost wholly on the leader. It re- 
quires study, secret prayer, and intelligent planning for 
the meeting. It encourages the use of helps, but only as 
helps. The leader studies his material, instead of taking 
it on faith. He finds the center of the theme, and makes 
the whole meeting bend to that. He selects hymns that 
fit the theme, and is not discouraged if some of them are 
unfamiliar. He interprets Scripture by Scripture. In 
his opening address he indicates what he considers the 
heart of the theme, which will provide a subject for the 
testimony service, so that whoever takes part in that ex- 
ercise must do some independent thinking. He believes 
in intelligent and vital piety. 

This better method has not quite so much "go" in it, 
judging by surface indications. But it has power in it, 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



and the possibility of growth, and it is a hint at the real 
object for which the devotional meeting was instituted. 

The leader of the devotional meeting has a great op- 
portunity. For the space of half an hour, more or less, 
he may speak the things that he has had on his heart. If 
he has ever felt moved to utter a message of help and in- 
spiration, his time has come. 

But what though he had not felt any impelling desire 
to publish abroad any special word? His assignment to 
lead the devotional meeting is none the less a great op- 
portunity. 

The theme for the meeting was carefully chosen long 
ago. It has in it great possibilities. The wise leader will 
begin a month in advance to look for hints and helps. 
He will find them in unexpected places. His reading of 
the Word will help him. He will get a thought at prayer- 
meeting. The pastor will on Sunday morning, all un- 
consciously, drop a fruitful suggestion in the course of 
his sermon. As he goes about his daily duties there will" 
come many a hint from the newspapers. It is astonishing 
how many avenues of approach there are to a theme in 
which one is really interested. 

Then the formal preparation will be carefully made. 
If a minister is under obligation to study his sermon, the 
obligation of the Epworth League leader is, if possible, 
more insistent. For the preacher will have another op- 
portunity next Sunday. He may expand to-day's ser- 
mon into a series. He has abundant means of modify- 
ing what he says, or of deepening its impression, or of 
controlling its effects. 

But in most cases the 'leader has only one arrow in 
his quiver. He has a single hour of opportunity. In 
that hour he must make clear the meaning and the teach- 
ing of the topic. He must so present it that it will stimu- 



THE DEVOTIONAL MEETING. 



late thought, because otherwise the testimonies will drag. 
He must control all the exercises of the hour — singing, 
prayer, and testimony — so as to produce the effect for 
which the meeting was designed. 

It is a big task. It can not be done well by one who 
glances at The Bpworth Herald's devotional page, or the 
"Notes on the Devotional Meeting Topics," half an hour 
before the meeting. It can not be done well by one whose 
chief anxiety is to "have it over." It takes love and grace 
and pains and patience. 

But when the task is rightly appreciated, and the privi- 
lege of it is fairly estimated, it offers a priceless oppor- 
tunity to do a great thing in a great way. 

A School for Leaders. 

Leaders of the devotional meeting are made, not born. 
They must be recruited, enlisted, trained, drilled. This 
is the First Vice-President's work. If he will make it 
his special aim to secure a group of capable and effective 
leaders among the hitherto untrained members of the 
Chapter, he can make his term of office a great and last- 
ing benefit to the Chapter. 

There is not much opportunity for uniform methods 
in the training of leaders. The conditions vary so widely 
that no one method could succeed everywhere. In some 
Chapters the leaders for a month or a quarter may be 
gathered for a conference on the general ways and means 
of leadership. In others*, the First Vice-President may 
need to go over the preparation for each meeting with 
the several leaders, helping, suggesting, supplementing 
their material and methods. If nothing more elaborate 
can be done, a plan from Syracuse, N. Y., is worthy of 
wide appropriation and use. 



74 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



The following letter is sent out by the Department of 
Spiritual Work of Centenary Chapter, Syracuse, N. Y. : 

To , leader of the 

Epworth League prayer-meeting, to be held 

, 190- • 

In sending this notification that you are to lead the 
Epworth League prayer-meeting on the above date, the 
Spiritual Work Department will offer you the follow- 
ing suggestions for 

Leading the Meeting. 

Leading the meeting is not driving. 

Leading is not allowing a meeting to run itself. 

Leading is having a definite object in view, toward 
which you will try to carry the meeting. 

You have been chosen to lead. Determine to do your 
best, trusting God will bless your plans with success. 

Be as willing to offer a prayer for yourself, or to give 
a testimony from your own experience as you will have 
others. 

Be careful not to occupy too much time in opening 
the meeting. Minutes fly faster than you think when 
talking. Try to be an example of brevity. 

Preparing for the Meeting. 

Pray much for yourself and the meeting. 

Get others to pray for the meeting and your leader- 
ship. 

Study the Scripture lesson and topic thoroughly; 
memorizing it will help you. 

Look up the Scripture references in your lesson; the 
illustrations from biographies in the Bible may be serv- 
iceable. 



THE DEVOTIONAL MEETING. 



Get well in mind the relation of your topic to those 
of past and future meetings. 

Ask the pastor to meet leaders monthly, and help you 
in this work and pray together. Discussing the contents 
of this leaflet may be helpful. 

Fasten in your Bible notes and selections to be re- 
ferred to during the meetings. Avoid reading prosy 
newspaper articles. 

Supply the leader of the singing, and the organist, 
with the number of the hymns you may use in time for 
the rehearsal. 

Secure a pledged attendance, and individual prom- 
ises to take some part in the meeting, especially from 
,the officers of the League and younger members. 

Make special effort to get to your meeting young 
people who seldom or never attend the League prayer- 
meeting. 

Conducting the Meeting, 

Arrange to have the front seats occupied. 

Begin the meeting promptly at the time for which it 
was announced. 

If unable to begin the meeting on time with music, 
use responsive reading or have a service of prayer. 

Take great pains to announce the numbers of the 
hymns so that all can hear them ; repeating the announce- 
ment will be helpful. 

Have the topic clearly understood early in the meet- 
ing, especially before the prayer service. 

Placing the topic, Scripture references, and numbers 
of the hymns on the blackboard or wall bulletin will be 
invaluable. 

Read the Scripture lesson as distinctly and impress- 
ively as you can, using your own Bible if practicable. 



76 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Try to make some short comment of your own on the 
Scripture lesson, after you have read it. 

Direct the meeting as the Spirit shall lead you, trying 
to avoid the appearance of formality. 

Change the usual order of conducting the meeting 
if you think it will add interest to the service. 

If the prayer service seems to lag, ask those present 
to join you in repeating the Lord's Prayer. 

If the testimony service seems to lag, announce a por- 
tion of Scripture to be repeated or read in concert. 

Remember that unusued time seems very much longer 
to the leader than any one else, and avoid hurrying the 
meeting. 

If no one seems willing to use the unoccupied time, 
and you have exhausted your methods to create interest, 
close with a few words of cheer if the time for closing 
has not come. 

Whatever the character of the meeting, try to close in 
time for a good handshake and a few moments of per- 
sonal work without interfering with any service fol- 
lowing. 

After the Meeting. 

Express personally your appreciation to those who 
have helped to make the service a success. 

Be not discouraged if you have not accomplished all 
that you had hoped for in the meeting. 

Leave the results with God and pray that the seed 
sown may produce an abundant harvest to the glory of 
the Master. 

Follow up the meeting with personal work as you 
may have opportunity to do so. 

Endeavor to help other leaders by your presence or 
co-operation as you would like them to help you in your 
meeting. 



THE DEVOTIONAL MEETING. 



77 



Some: Golden Rules for Leaders. 

Grasp the Topic. — Do not "touch on the theme," as 
the manner of some is. Get a clear understanding of it 
by handling it familiarly in your study until you know, 
for a certainty, just what it is and what it means. 

Hold the Meeting to the Theme. — Some leaders say 
they can not, and others think they should not, lest some 
person present should seem to be debarred from testi- 
mony. But it is the leader's business so to deal with 
the topic as to emphasize its testimony-value; to make 
it personal and direct, so that testimony in keeping with 
the thought of the subject shall be easier than any other 
sort. 

Have a Definite Plan. — You need not be a slave to it, 
but you will find it makes an exceedingly useful servant 
to you. Foresee where you are likely to come out at 
the end of the meeting, and work to make the closing 
moments the climax of the hour. 

Lead for Testimony. — It is good to make a brilliant 
address, but it is better to stimulate others to confess 
Christ, and to express their convictions, and to declare 
their purposes. Bend all your leadership to this end. 
Make it difficult for people to refrain from taking part. 

Distribute Your Material Widely. — Make it plain to 
every member that you prefer three sentences extempore 
to three columns read from a book or paper. Say to each 
one, "Use this slip as a starting point, a suggestive hint." 

Do not ask the Pastor to do the same thing in every 
Meeting. — If he has taken the closing moments for sev- 
eral meetings in succession, ask him to give a Bible read- 
ing, or a brief word in introducing the theme. Let him 
put into plain language the doctrinal aspects of the sub- 
ject. Perhaps he can sketch the relation of the theme 
to hymnology, or to Church history ; he may be able to 



78 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



throw light on the Scripture lesson by a simple word- 
study, or a retranslation of some word or phrase. In 
brief, he is too useful a man not to be used in every pos- 
sible way. And he is usually as willing as he is useful. 

Utilize all your Forces. — If there are half a dozen 
people in your Chapter who usually "do it all," keep that 
fact in mind. Make determined attempt to secure the 
participation of the silent majority. Study the individ- 
uals. Adapt your request for their help to their special 
enthusiasms or abilities. Get hold of them at the angle 
of interest. Give your railway illustrations to the tele- 
graph operator who belongs to your Chapter; the sug- 
gestive quotation from Milton to the teacher of English ; 
the bit of astronomy or chemistry to the high school stu- 
dent ; the idea caught from business to the store worker ; 
the sidelight from invention or industrial life to the me- 
chanic. 

Let the Scripture suggest the Topic; not the Topic 
the Scripture. — The principal reference and the daily 
readings are not mere appendages of the meeting; they 
are the foundation on which it stands. The work of the 
meeting is to bring its participants nearer to God and to 
a better understanding of His love and His purposes. 
Of necessity, then, the Word of God is the one essential 
literature of the meeting. There may be used — should 
be used — other sources of illustration, enlargement, sug- 
gestion; but most of all the Word should be drawn upon. 
It is a mine which is in no danger of being worked out. 

Watch the "Incidentals." — If there is an announce- 
ment to be made of some forthcoming event, which, 
though harmless enough, would detract from the solem- 
nity and power of the closing moments, let that notice be 
made earlier. Why not insist that all the notices shall 
be given and the collection, if any, taken before the most 



THE DEVOTIONAL MEETING. 79 



important stage of the service has been reached? The 
order of Sunday worship in the Church is worth follow- 
ing in this particular. Watch the hymns ! Do not per- 
mit hymns or songs to be sung that would not be in keep- 
ing with the theme. Select the songs beforehand, for 
this as well as for other reasons. 

Beware of the "Helps." — The Bpworth Herald and 
the other Church papers publish a large amount of helps 
for the devotional meeting, and the Book Concern gets 
out a booklet every six months containing notes on the 
topics. All this material is valuable, in its place. But 
it may easily become a hindrance rather than a help. 
No leader ought to follow it blindly. No helps, however 
good, can do for him what he ought to do for himself. 
At best, the expositions and hints thus provided are only 
suggestions, spurs, points of departure. The leader who 
spends much time beforehand in study of the topic and 
in prayer, will find innumerable ways of bettering the 
instruction given in the printed notes. 

Begin Your Preparation Early. — Sunday afternoon at 
3 o'clock is at least two weeks too late. The sooner you 
begin the fuller and richer your material will be. This 
does not mean merely that you will have more time for 
set study and planning. But once the theme is firmly 
fixed in your mind, without conscious effort all your daily 
experiences will help to enrich it. A street incident 
which would otherwise have gone unnoticed will suggest 
an illustration. An allusion in a sermon will open up 
new avenues of thought. Your reading will surprise you 
by the way in which it sheds light on the subject. The 
psychologist has an entirely satisfactory explanation of 
this phenomenon; it is enough for most people to know 
that it is a fact. 



8o EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



// early preparation is good for the leader, it is also 
good for those he desires to help him. 

To be asked a week or two in advance means much 
more than to be asked within an hour or two of the meet- 
ing. And it is the surest way to get the best possible help 
from all who take part in any manner that requires prepa- 
ration. 

Be the Leader! — In the great majority of cases the 
leader, while not monopolizing the meeting, should take 
such part as will justify his appointment to lead. There 
are very few occasions when a pithy, well-considered ad- 
dress of from five to ten minutes could be counted out 
of place or unnecessary. The theme has given the leader 
a message, and he should let no light matter deprive him 
of the privilege of speaking it. In other respects, the 
leader may make his leadership effective and profitable, 
but in this directing of thought and interest to the sub- 
ject in hand he has his largest opportunity, and he owes 
it to the Chapter and himself that he shall not miss it. 

Do not Fear Informality. — Sometimes a meeting can 
be stimulated into life and interest by a few questions 
directed to particular individuals. "Mr. Walker, do you 
think the thought given by Miss Morton can be applied 
to others than Church members?" "Dr. Brown, have 
you found it impossible to use this principle in your pas- 
toral work?" "Mrs. Williams, why is it difficult to reach 
the standard set by our theme?" And so on. There is 
no shorter or surer way to set minds at work than to 
suggest something which presents itself in different as- 
pects to different people. Only be careful that the ques- 
tions do not precipitate debate or extend discussion. 

Speak a Living Language. — Things religious have 
been talked about so much, and sometimes with none too 
clear a sense of what the words used really meant, that 



THE DEVOTIONAL MEETING. 



Si 



we have a stock of religious words and phrases whose 
value is practically zero. They carry no meaning; they 
sound familiar, and pious, and it is perfectly safe to use 
them, but it is also perfectly profitless. Avoid them. 
Speak the language of your own experience. Drop the 
old, threadbare phrases. Be natural, spontaneous, un- 
affected, direct. Everybody understands sensible speech. 
The great facts of religious experience can be stated in 
every-day English. Coarseness is never permissible ; but 
why should fogginess be tolerated ? Talk in the common 
language of the people, as Jesus did, and as all the great 
preachers have done. Leave theological and dogmatical 
abstruseness to the people who need an abundance of 
words to hide their poverty of thought. 

Pray! — The meeting you are to lead is a devotional 
meeting. You are to lead it into the presence of God. 
How can you*, except you know the way? Season a!l 
your preparation with prayer. Pray for yourself, that 
you may be led of God to be the largest possible blessing 
to the meeting of which you are leader. Pray for the 
members you have asked to take part. Pray for the 
members and others whom you have urged to attend. 
Pray for the presence of the Holy Spirit in the meeting. 
Pray for definite results. Get others to join you in prayer 
for these things. 

Keep the Machinery in the Background. — If you have 
given out numbered references, or have otherwise ar- 
ranged with members to take part, let it all be done as 
spontaneously as possible. Do not announce speakers, 
either by name or number. Let them know beforehand 
when you will want them. This is not deception; it is 
good management. The best organized public gather- 
ing in this country is the quadrennial convention of the 
Student Volunteer Movement, but nobody would sus- 

6 



82 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



pect that fact from the simplicity of the proceedings. 
No one outside the responsible officers can "see the 
wheels go round." But the wheels go round, neverthe- 
less. And no gatherings excel these conventions in spir- 
itual and far-reaching influence. 

Strike for Results. — What is the design of the young 
people's devotional meeting? It is to promote the spirit- 
ual life of young Christians and to secure the salvation 
of the unsaved. The fact should not be lost sight of for 
a moment. The comments upon the topic, the singing, 
the prayers, the speaking, should all lead directly to that 
one end. And the last five minutes of the meeting should 
be given up to fruit-gathering. If the leader is a person 
of experience he may make a tender, searching appeal, 
and strive to get some young Christian to commit himself 
to Jesus more fully, or some unconverted person to sur- 
render at once. 

The pastor can often close the meeting more effect- 
ively than any one else. If some one expresses a desire 
for the special prayers of the meeting, a season of prayer 
may be held. Or if the circumstances seem to favor it, 
a brief "after-meeting" may be provided for. Remem- 
ber this always : A meeting which does not create in 
some soul an intense hunger after righteousness, and 
which does not bring it to a decision to cry to God for 
help, is a failure. Too much time is given to seed-sow- 
ing in our devotional meetings, and not enough to the 
inspiring work of gathering the grain. 

Some: Detailed Plans. 

A Meeting for Prayer. — The wisest way to plan this 
meeting will be to make it a real prayer-meeting. It 
should not be permitted to drift into a discussion about 
prayer, or a series of aimless talks on prayer. Pray ! 



THE DEVOTIONAL MEETING. 



83 



But a prayer-meeting, more than any other, must 
have defmiteness and directness. There should be care- 
ful survey of the Chapter's needs, and a study of the 
prayer-life of its members. How many comrades of the 
Morning Watch are there in the Chapter? Enlist them. 

After the leader's opening talk let there be four "times 
of prayer." "Prayers of confession/' the personal and 
collective failures and wrong doings of the members and 
the Chapter, humbly and penitently acknowledged, and 
forgiveness for them sought. "Prayers of supplication ;" 
the needs which seem greatest brought boldly and be- 
lievingly to the throne of grace. "Prayers of co-opera- 
tion;" the work of the kingdom in the community else- 
where, frankly accepted as a direct personal obligation, 
and greater loyalty to that work gladly assumed. 
"Prayers of intercession ;" for all who have need, whether 
in the home Church, in the home town, on the frontier, 
or out on the edges of heathenism. 

Close the meeting with an invitation to those who for 
any reason desire to be included in your ministry of in- 
tercession, and are willing to say, "Pray for us." 

The Present Christ. — After the leader has spoken, let 
him set questions before the members, written on a black- 
board, or printed on slips, or in some other effective way; 
Then invite responses during the time set apart for tes- 
timony. Such questions as these may be used : 

// Christ Came to Our Town — 
Should I be glad to see Him? 
Where should I wish Him to find me? 
What work now being done would He commend? 
What neglect would He condemn? 
What business would He disapprove? 
With whom would He spend most of His time ? 
What claims would He make? 



84 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



What changes would I make if I had twenty-four 
hours' notice of His coming? 

How would He be received? 

What work would He begin to do? 

Let the testimonies end fifteen minutes before the 
time to close the meeting. The pastor or the leader may 
use half of the remaining time in pressing home this ap- 
plication, ''In answering these questions we have revealed 
our present duty and privilege. It is a vision of oppor- 
tunity to be Christlike, to show that Christ dwelleth in 
us. What shall we do with the vision?" 

Close the meeting with a simple, tender, searching 
consecration service. 

An Evangelistic Devotional Meeting. — The leader 
has a great opportunity. Enlist the active help of the 
entire department of spiritual work, and get ready by 
prayer, by self-dedication, by personal work, for a re- 
vival which shall begin in the League meeting. 

Ask the pastor to take his place as general director 
of this meeting. In many cases it will be possible to 
combine the League service with the evening preaching 
service, in which the pastor will supplement the League's 
work by a tender, earnest, urgent presentation of Jesus 
Christ as a present Savior from sin. If that can be done, 
and the League members will co-operate by giving the 
Christian invitation in person to those of their friends 
who are not Christians, this meeting may be the most 
important and resultful of the whole year. 

A "Peace" Program. — Singing: "Onward, Christian 
soldiers." 

Prayer : Thanksgiving for the advance of Christian 
ideals in the national life ; petitions for presidents, kings, 
and all in authority, that they may be peaceable and God- 
fearing men; for nations now at war, that they may be 



THE DEVOTIONAL MEETING. 85 



induced to end the struggle ; for the prosperity of all 
people and institutions that are working for universal 
peace ; for the spread of the Gospel as the surest way to 
lasting peace. 

Singing : "God of our fathers, known of old." 

(Kipling's Recessional.) 

Address : "The source of the world's peace." 

One-minute talks: "The gains of peace as shown by 
the losses of war." (Seven or more speakers.) 

Singing: "God, the All-Terrible." (Hymnal, No. 
707O 

Two-minute talks: "How to secure peace." (Five or 
more speakers.) 

Singing: "A mighty fortress is our God." (Luther's 
hymn!) 

Address by pastor or leader: "What can we do in 
the interest of universal peace ?" 

Singing: "The battle hymn of the republic." 

Beginning New Work. — A Cabinet meeting should 
be held during the week before this devotional meeting, 
if possible. If the Cabinet decides to take up some new 
form of work this year, there can be no better time to 
announce it than now, and to enlist the co-operation of 
every member. In case this is done, divide the time of 
the devotional meeting into three parts : the first, for the 
discussion of the topic in its larger and more general 
aspect; the second, for the presentation and explanation 
of the new plans; and the third, for some brief but ear- 
nest and definite moments of solemn dedication to and 
acceptance of the new work. 

The Central Office, 57 Washington Street, Chicago, 
will furnish explanatory literature on Bible study, the 
Morning Watch, Christian Stewardship, temperance 
work, and personal evangelism. The Young People's De- 



86 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



partment of the Missionary Society/ 150 Fifth Avenue, 
New York, will furnish literature on mission study. The 
Station Plan, 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, will send in- 
formation concerning that most practical and workable 
method of helping the missionary work of the Church. 

A " Prayed' -Meeting. — Use these themes for study 
and comment: Christ as a man of prayer. The men of 
prayer of the Bible. The reasons for prayer. Incite- 
ments to prayer. The time for prayer. The place of 
prayer. Victories of prayer. Christ's teachings on 
prayer. 

Scripture References. — Bible Instances of Secret 
Prayer: Gen. xxxii, 9-12; 2 Kings xx, 2; Neh. ii, 4; 
Dan. vi, 10 ; Matt, xiv, 23 ; Matt, xxvi, 36-39 ; Mark i, 35 ; 
Luke v, 16 ; Acts ix, 40 ; Acts x, 30. 

Hindrances to the Prayer Life : Job xxxv, 13 ; Psa. 
lxvi, 18 ; Prov. i, 24-28 ; Prov. xxviii, 9 ; Isa. lix, 2 ; John 
ix, 31 ; James i, 6-7. 

Sustaining the Prayer Life : Psa. xxvii, 8 ; Rom. viii, 
26; Eph. vi, 18; Phil, iv, 6; Col. iv, 2; I Thess. v, 17-18; 
Heb. iv, 16. 

Blessings of the Prayer Life: Psa. xxxvii, 8; Psa. 
lxxxvi, 5; Psa. xci, 15; Prov. iii, 6; Amos v, 4; Luke 
xxi, 36 ; John xv, 7 ; James i, 5 ; 1 John v, 14. 

Questions for Testimony. — What is prayer to you, a 
duty or a delight? 

What is it to "pray without ceasing?" 

How large a place should be given to thanksgiving in 
our daily prayers ? 

How can we use the Bible as a help to prayer ? 

What are some of the things that hinder the life of 
prayer ? 

Books on the Life of Prayer. — Mr. Mott, in his 
pamphlet on "Secret Prayer," which is itself well worth 



THE DEVOTIONAL MEETING. 



87 



careful study, recommends the following books : "Prayer : 
Its Nature and Scope," by H. Clay Trumbull; "With 
Christ in the School of Prayer," by Andrew Murray; 
"Secret Prayer," by Professor H. C. G. Moule; and "The 
Still Hour," by Professor Austin Phelps. He also recom- 
mends three pamphlets, "Prayer and Missions," by R. E. 
Speer; "Secret Prayer a Great Reality," by Henry 
Wright ; and "The Practice of the Presence of God," by 
Brother Lawrence. These pamphlets may be had from 
the International Committee, 3 West Twenty-ninth 
Street, New York. 

The Christian and Amusements. — Plan this meeting 
with special care. The topic is one which always inter- 
ests young people. You may have a few in your Chap- 
ter who are radical on the subject. Do not try to sup- 
press them. Give them full opportunity to speak. 

But select for special participation only those whose 
spiritual life is such that their words will carry weight. 
That does not mean the dull members, or the narrow 
ones, but those who have the most vigorous personal re- 
ligion, and who do not spoil their influence by incon- 
sistency in matters of amusement. 

Let the prayer service be as earnest and tender as 
possible. It is unusually important that the meeting shall 
rise at once to a high spiritual level and stay there. Prav 
for the tempted, for the eager ones to whom all life's 
offered pleasures seem real and lasting, for those who 
have gone far on the road of doubtful delights. Pray 
for higher and clearer ideals. Thank God for the power 
of pleasure, the gift of laughter, and the zest for joy. 
Pledge a new allegiance to the Lord Jesus, seeking to 
have the same mind and to follow in His steps. 

Hold up worthy ideals. Self-respecting young people 



88 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



do not need to be kept amused constantly. A program 
outline is appended : 

Song service, ten minutes. 

Brief prayers, following suggestions above given. 
The Scripture lesson. 

The leader speaks : "Recreation as a duty." 

Members speak: The test of right recreation; a re- 
view of Bishop Vincent's "Better Not;" recreation by a 
change of work ; the high purpose of recreation ; the bor- 
der line in the field of doubtful practices; the joys and 
pleasures of the Christian life. 

Testimony. 

The League benediction, or this, "Let all those that 
put their trust in Thee rejoice." 

"Let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defend- 
est them." 

"Let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee." 

Christian Education. — If possible, get one or two col- 
lege folk to take part; people who have been to school 
and know what they are talking about. Have at hand 
information about the nearest Church school. Here is 
an outlined program : 

Song service, ten minutes. 

The Scripture lesson. 

The leader speaks : "Right and wrong education." 

A member considers the question: "Who can afford 
to go to college ?" 

Another asks : "Why go to college ?" 

Another member inquires : "What kind of a college?" 

Two members consider: "How to secure a Christian 
education if the way to college is not open." 

General testimony on "The reason why all Christians 
should be educated Christians." 

A "Vision" Meeting. — This may be made a beautiful 



THE DEVOTIONAL MEETING. 



89 



meeting. If it is conducted like an old-fashioned love- 
feast some people will be inclined to take part who have 
long "been silent. 

The. leader will need prayer and quietness before be- 
ginning his meeting. Go into the secret place and seek a 
clearer, brighter vision of the Lord. Let Him become 
real to the leader's heart, and He will be real to the peo- 
ple in the meeting. 

Ask the members to "tell their experience." Put the 
invitation to testimony in the form of questions. "What 
was your first vision of Christ ?" "How did it affect your 
life?" "Has the vision changed?" 

You will hear of Xathanael visions and Matthew 
visions and John Baptist visions and Zaccheus visions and 
centurion visions and Wesley visions, Saul visions, Au- 
gustine visions, Luther visions. "God fulfills Himself in 
many ways." 

Perhaps it may be helpful to have a few brief re- 
citals of "How Christ reveals Himself to men," describ- 
ing some of the experiences indicated in the preceding 
paragraph. Follow these with the personal question: 
"How did Christ first show Himself to you?" 

As the meeting draws to a close the vision of Christ 
may have dawned for the first time on some one present. 
Find that one. Devote the last five minutes to the search. 
You may help a soul into the light of Christ's love. 

A Service of Confession. — This meeting will, of 
course, be largely a meeting of testimony. Plan to give 
as much time as may be necessary for this part of the 
program. Let every exercise emphasize the duty of wit- 
nessing for Christ. 

If you have reason to believe that there will be some 
present who are trying to be silent disciples, urge the 
duty of confession. Insist, plainly, though kindly, that 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



it is quite as important as following Christ in life. Show 
that such following can not be complete and satisfying 
without an open declaration of purpose and allegiance. 

Various sub-topics may be assigned to various mem- 
bers, asking them to take these as themes of three or 
four minute talks, of course, using their own language, 
and finding other ideas besides those suggested. 

The testimonies should be pointed and personal con- 
fessions of Christ as Lord and Savior, as Redeemer and 
Master of life. 

At the close of the service let the leader or the pastor 
urge with great tenderness the claims of Christ on those 
who as yet have not confessed Him. An altar service 
may be made of great value toward this end. 

A Decision Meeting. — Group all remedies for pres- 
ent-day evils around the Gospel. 

Ask for reasons why other remedies fail — such reme- 
dies as socialism, co-operative colonies, the anti-poverty 
society, political reform, philanthropic movements, and 
education. 

Let the testimonies be of the "one thing I know" 
order. 

The range of hymns appropriate to this topic is al- 
most limitless. Here are some : "The Great Physician," 
"Just as I am," "At even, ere the sun was set," "I heard 
the voice of Jesus say," "Whiter than snow," "Of Him 
who did salvation bring," "Come, said Jesus' sacred 
voice," "There is a fountain filled with blood," "Rock of 
Ages." 

For Opening the: Meeting. 

The Canadian Epworth Bra suggests several good 
and helpful ways for opening the devotional meeting. 
Open with silent prayer. 
Open with an appropriate solo. 



THE DEVOTIONAL MEETING. 



Open with a series of sentence prayers. 
Open with a blackboard talk on the topic. 
Open with a word from your pastor, previously asked 
to give it. 

Open with six comments on the six daily readings of 
the week. 

Open directly with some abrupt and striking word 
about the subject. 

Open with an appropriate recitation, rendered by 
some younger member. 

Open with Bible verses brought by the members as 
their testimonies. 

Open with the Scripture lesson read by two mem- 
bers who will stand before the Chapter and read alternate 
verses. 

Open with a series of Bible verses bearing on the sub- 
ject, giving out before the meeting to a number of mem- 
bers, who will read in the order in which the slips are 
numbered. 

Open with a Bible-reading on the subject, making 
sure beforehand that the members bring their Bibles. 
Give out numbered slips containing references, and have 
them read in order. 

In your opening always seek to touch the highest 
themes. Remember that novelty is of value only as a 
stepping-stone to interest. If you can get the interest 
in an old way, do so. 

For Variety in the Meeting. 

Sing the hymns from memory. 

Ask questions, the answers to which are Scripture 
sayings. This may be used instead of a Bible reading. 

Put all the thought of the topic into half-a-dozen 
plain questions or less. Write these on the blackboard, or 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



on a large sheet of wrapping paper, and let the testimony 
be in answer to these questions. 

Secure telegraphic testimonies from absent members, 
written on regular telegraph blanks, and limited to twenty 
words. 

Exchange leaders with a neighboring society, possibly 
of a different denomination. 

Get special music, if it is appropriate to the theme. 

Find one of the great hymns which will illustrate the 
topic, and get some one to recite it from memory. 

Occasionally hold a meeting which shall be exclu- 
sively a ^ray^r-meeting. 

Call for a brief season of prayer at some moment of 
unusual feeling. 

For a change, limit all speakers to one minute. 

Try a question box. This should mean vigorous ad- 
vertising, also. 

Change the seating plan, especially if it; has been 
stiff and formal. Arrange the chairs in semi-circular 
fashion about the speaker. 

Call for the reciting, in concert, of familiar Scripture. 

Drop all the familiar phraseology that has ceased to 
mean much. If a Chapter should not hear for fifty-two 
Sundays the words, "The time is yours; do not let it go 
to waste," nobody would be the worse for the depriva- 
tion. 

Let the leaders for a month arrange a plan which will 
provide a different method and different material for each 
Sunday. 

Put the song service at the close of the meeting one 
week, in the middle the next. The third week sing only 
two or three songs in the entire meeting. 

Announce that the first ten minutes of the testimony 
service will be for some special class; the new converts, 



THE DEVOTIONAL MEETING. 



93 



the oldest members, the members who have joined this 
year, or others. 

Soul-winning is never monotonous. If there is the 
slightest sign of interest on the part of the unconverted, 
devote the closing moments to the deepening and making 
definite of that interest. 

Have two leaders ; one with some experience in the 
work, the other a comparatively untried member. This 
will give variety, and at the same time be a good training 
for the younger members. 

Instead of voluntary testimonies, call on one to speak, 
who, after speaking, calls on another, who, after speak- 
ing, calls on another, and so on. It puts everybody on 
the alert. 

Let the Scripture lesson be given from memory. 
Sometimes, if it is a familiar Scripture, use it respon- 
sively, both leader and congregation giving it memoriter. 
Expand this plan so as to include all the songs used dur- 
ing the evening. 

When your meeting is distinctly evangelistic, use 
every effort to get your unsaved friends to attend. Set 
people to work giving personal invitations. Invite tes- 
timony on such themes as "What I was without Christ," 
"How I found Christ," "What Christ has done for me." 
Be ready to put the meeting into the hands of the pastor 
whenever there is any sign of intense spiritual interest 
which may lead to immediate seeking of salvation. 

Closing the; Meeting. 

The closing moments are the most important. It is 
possible to spoil utterly a good meeting by the use that 
is made of the last five minutes. Therefore, while ready 
to take advantage of unusual circumstances, have a defi- 
nite plan for the closing moments. Do not let the meet- 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



ing "fade out," or run out from sheer weakness. The 
moment that it seems best to close, begin on the special 
plan provided. 

In every case, where it is possible, give the invita- 
tion to accept Jesus Christ as Savior. 

The repetition in concert of some appropriate Scrip- 
ture or hymn of devotion will secure the participation 
of many who have had no opportunity to take part other- 
wise, or who, for various reasons, have remained silent 
up to this point. 

Often the pastor is the person to be asked to take 
charge of the closing moments. He will sum up the les- 
son and the testimonies, and give a brief, pointed, loving 
exhortation based on the topic for the evening. 

It is rarely out of place to close with prayer, and the 
more who can be induced to share in the prayer, the 
more helpful it will be. Silent prayers, sentence prayers, 
prayers by three or four members, called upon for that 
purpose, chain prayer (in which each one taking part 
calls on some one else to follow him), prayers quoted from 
Scripture or from hymns, all these will be found of value. 
But always bear in mind that in prayer, of all things, the 
spirit and the purpose is all-important, while the form 
is of small moment. 

Do not permit the serious thought of the hour to be 
dissipated by a varied lot of notices. Get the announce- 
ments — and the collection, if there is one — out of the way 
earlier in the meeting. Of what value is an impressive 
meeting, which has set many to thinking on vital themes, 
if it ends in a jumble of advertisements which relate to 
every interest of the Chapter except the spiritual? No 
wise pastor would dream of reading pulpit notices at the 
close of the sermon. 

Whatever the method employed, seek to make the last 



THE DEVOTIONAL MEETING. 95 



moments of the meeting the most important. Bring the 
hour to its climax just before it ends. End at the highest 
point of conviction and feeling, so that it will be the 
most natural thing for the congregation to go away with 
its mind made up to some definite form action. That is 
the test of every method by which the Gospel is presented. 
If it reaches the will of the hearers, it is well. If not, — 
if it has merely interested the intellectual faculty, or ex- 
cited the emotions — it is a failure. Our business is to 
persuade. We must do that, or it matters little what we 
do. 

How To Take; Part. 

By prayer. 

By a word of testimony ending with prayer. 
By quoting a verse, or, preferably, two or three verses 
of Scripture. 

By giving the reason for your appreciation of the 
Scripture you quote. 

By quotations other than Scriptural, given from- 
memory. 

By a few words of comment, relating the quotation 
to the topic and to your own experience. 

By appropriate reading from current literature. 

By reciting a hymn or other poem. 

By telling of some incident within your own observa- 
tion which illustrates and enforces the theme. 

By referring to some such incident as the one last men- 
tioned, which you have found in the course of your 
reading. 

By a brief expression of your own thought on the 
topic of the evening. 

By personal testimony for Jesus Christ, with special 
reference to the theme of the meeting. 

And personal testimony is of all ways the best. 



96 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



The Singing in the Meeting. 

This is a difficult subject. There is plenty of willing- 
ness to sing, and, as a rule, plenty of singing. But ap- 
propriate and heartfelt singing is not so common. 

It seems absurd that one should consider it necessary 
to say " Select the hymns in advance," but the advice is 
sorely needed by thousands of leaders. In the serene con- 
sciousness that there are half-a-dozen songs in the book 
which everybody can sing without the slightest effort of 
memory or of the reflective powers, the leader trusts to 
the inspiration of the moment, or falls back on the nerve- 
less ''Has any one a song to suggest?" It would seem that 
the frequent ridiculous situations to which this expedient 
gives rise would in time cause leaders to avoid it. But 
it still nourishes, and perpetuates the use of many a com- 
mon-place song. This drawing a bow at a venture, and 
its companion method of "leafing through" the book dur- 
ing an awkward pause in the meeting, are deadly ene- 
mies of a successful service of song. 

Select the hymns after all other preparation has been 
made. Take the book your Chapter uses, and go through 
the whole list of possible hymns that will fit the theme. 

If you have a reasonably proficient organist, do not 
hesitate to select a few unfamiliar hymns. One of the 
reasons often given when inviting all to sing is, "This is 
such a familiar hymn that everybody can sing it." Some- 
times that is precisely the reason why many do not sing 
that particular hymn. Most people enjoy singing the un- 
familiar hymns. They give more attention to the words, 
and are more likely to be struck by the thoughts em- 
bodied in them. 

Occasionally sing fewer hymns, and utilize the time 
thus saved in singing the stanzas usually omitted. We 



THE DEVOTIONAL MEETING. 



are in some danger of thinking that two stanzas of a 
hymn constitute all of it that is worth singing. 

Get the best hymn-books you can afford. Some Chap- 
ters are wisely adopting the new Hymnal. They will be 
a long time exhausting it. The best books are usually 
as cheap as the poorest, to begin with, and in the end 
there is no comparison. Do not buy a one-man book. 
The fact that you have heard a Gospel singer render 
effectively half a dozen of the songs in his latest book 
is not an infallible indication that your Chapter should 
have that book. A one-man book, especially if it is of 
the sort that the man carries with him for sale, is not 
likely to* be worth much to anybody six months after date. 
Ask a competent musician, who should, of course, be a 
Christian, to help your committee in the selection of the 
new book your Chapter has ordered to be bought. He 
will not save you much in the actual outlay of money, 
but he will save you some disappointment born of un- 
conscious and unnecessary blundering. 

Why not a choir and an orchestra ? Both are within 
the capacity of thousands of Chapters, and a choir is so 
easily secured that no Chapter need be without one. It 
will create some new problems, perhaps, but it will solve 
some old ones. 

Select the closing hymn with special care. If you can 
find one which summarizes the thought of the topic, or 
which crystallizes the convictions the topic has created, or 
which expresses some determination or purpose appro- 
priate to the theme, use that hymn. It may not be fa- 
miliar. So much the better. First read it in concert. 
Let its meaning be clearly seen, then sing it with feeling 
and thoughtfulness. It will be surprisingly effective. 

The old-time method of impromptu song is often em- 
ployed with thrilling effect. To avoid possible confusion, 
7 



98 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



let this work of starting a hymn without announcement 
be given to one or two persons only, and let it be under- 
stood between them and the leader what songs they shall 
start. Of course this method is impossible with un- 
familiar hymns, but it is one of the most valuable and 
inspiring ways of using the old hymns. For some reason 
it often happens that more people will join in such an in- 
formal outburst of song than will attempt to sing when 
number or page is given and a prelude is played. 

The organist has much to do with the success of the 
song service. He may control the time of the singing, 
and often its expression also. He should sit at the organ 
throughout the meeting, so that all needless pauses may 
be avoided. He should not play preludes, except for the 
rarely-used hymns. Ordinarily the chord is sufficient. 
Interludes, as everybody knows, long ago went out of 
fashion. Let us hope they will never return. 

Colleges have their songs. Why should not Epworth 
League Chapters have their hymns? The students at 
Drew Theological Seminary have long been in the habit 
of considering Faber's hymn, "Faith of our Fathers," 
as the seminary hymn. It is sung on anniversary occa- 
sions, and whenever the loyalty and devotion of the stu- 
dents have been particularly aroused. Such a custom is 
especially appropriate to the League Chapter. It would 
be an additional bond of fellowship, and there are many 
occasions when the use of the "Chapter hymn" would be 
both appropriate and beautiful. At group meetings, for 
example, and at conventions, the roll of Chapters might 
be answered by each delegation singing its hymn. Do not 
select one which will soon be outworn, or which will be- 
come tiresome. As a rule, one of the grand old hymns 
of the Church is more desirable than the latest copy- 
righted novelty. And, in any case, avoid as you would 



THE DEVOTIONAL MEETING. 



the plague a song where words are senseless, or whose 
music suggests the music-hall or the circus. 

Ushers. 

Few Chapter devotional meetings as so small as to be 
able to do without ushers. In the large Chapters ushers 
are indispensable. 

They should see that the room is properly warmed and 
ventilated before the meeting begins. 

They should see that the seats are properly arranged, 
that there are song-books and Bibles within the reach of 
all. 

They will strive courteously to fill the front seats 
first, so that the late comers will disturb the meeting as 
little as possible. 

Ushers have the best opportunity of securing the 
names of strangers and turning them over to the chair- 
man of the department or the chairman of the Mercy 
and Help Department. 

Open-Air Services. 

From late spring to early fall many Chapters will 
find open-air services a great means of usefulness. Con- 
trary to the usual belief, the summer is a most favorable 
time for revival and evangelistic work, — but not in stuffy 
churches and badly ventilated halls. The widespread 
habit, which our climate fosters, of spending as much 
time as possible in the open air during the warmer 
months, offers a suggestion to the aggressive Christian 
which ought not to be ignored. 

The people are already out-of-doors. A little music 
will usually draw a large crowd. The open-air service 
which follows, if it is wisely planned, will hold the crowd 
which the music draws. 



LOFCi 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



An open-air meeting must not be conducted after the 
same fashion as one conducted inside a church building, 
There must be an entire absence of stiffness. The street 
is not the place for ritual. The meeting must stand en- 
tirely on its own merits. It can have no crutches of 
Churchly surroundings, of the dim religious light and 
Sabbath-like atmosphere of the sanctuary. Whatever is 
done must be done promptly, positively, and without any 
break in the chain of exercises. 

The singing must be vigorous, confident, and suffi- 
cient in volume to sustain itself without any assistance 
from the crowd. The crowd may choose to join in, but 
it is well not to be dependent upon it. The hymns that 
are sung will be set to practicable tunes, tunes that are 
attractive, if not familiar. But it is not necessary to copy 
slavishly the methods of the Salvation Army. Methods 
are not so important as spirit. With the proper knowl- 
edge of the character of a street crowd, an intelligent 
leader can usually devise his own method. 

If the open-air service is to be held in an incorpo- 
rated town it will be necessary to seek official permission 
before taking any positive steps. A good location should 
be selected beforehand. Do not start out, like Abraham, 
not knowing whither you go. The best location is one 
which, while being close to the main stream of travel, is 
not so near as to be disturbed by the noises of the street. 

In the conduct of the meeting one or two things 
should be specially noted. Long prayers are fatal to an 
open-air service. Indeed, it is sometimes wise to omit 
prayer altogether. A preliminary meeting with the work- 
ers may be held in some quiet room, and prayer for the 
service may there be offered with large prospect of bless- 
ing. But when the meeting is on the crowd must be 
held. Anything which breaks the magnetic current be- 



THE DEVOTIONAL MEETING. ioi 



tween the speaker and the hearers will hurt the meeting. 
A street crowd, once its attention is distracted, is gone. 

The speaking should be direct, forceful, and brief. 
If a sermon is attempted its introduction and peroration 
should both be amputated, and what is left set on fire with 
earnestness. The closer the workers are to the crowd 
the better. A prayer-meeting may drag itself along to 
some sort of a conclusion with twenty feet of empty 
benches between the people and the leader, but in an 
open-air meeting the thing is utterly impossible. Hold 
the meeting, if practicable, so near to the church or other 
meeting-place that a brief after service may be held in- 
doors. To this service all who desire to come will be 
welcome. There direct personal dealing with individuals 
about their soul's salvation will be entirely in place, and 
often fruitful of blessed results. 

Home: Prayer-Meetings. 

The prayer-meeting in the home has long been a most 
helpful means of carrying on spiritual work. Community 
prayer-meetings are famous in the history of revivals. 
The Epworth League Chapter is admirably adapted by 
its spirit and organization to conduct just such meetings 
as these. They may be held at homes distant from the 
church, in order to reach people who are not reached by 
its regular services. The homes of those who are shut 
in by any manner of infirmity are usually gladly opened 
for prayer services. 

In times of revival a chain of home prayer-meetings 
may be established in such a way as to include the entire 
Church. The Epworth League may co-operate with the 
pastor so effectively in this work that its continuance for 
two or three weeks before the opening of special revival 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



services will pave the way for instant victory at the very 
opening of the more public services. 

At every home prayer-meeting a number of active 
Christians should be present to render help in song and 
prayer. By dividing the departments of the Chapter into 
small groups a force may be organized sufficient to hold 
home prayer-meetings in every section of the parish on 
the same night. 



CHAPTER VI. 



GETTING AND USING SPIRITUAL POWER. 
The Practice of the Presence. 

It is particularly fitting that the great campaign for 
the Morning Watch Enrollment should be inaugurated 
on the first Sunday of the year. This day is the begin- 
ning of the Week of Prayer, many Churches are in the 
mid«t of special revival efforts, the Bible study classes 
are settled in their work, and it is the commencement of 
a new year. 

Every Chapter in Methodism should make plans to 
present the Morning Watch at the devotional meeting on 
that day. The enrollment is not a new organization, nor 
does it require a separate committee. It is simply an en- 
rollment of members of the Epworth League, and other 
young Christians who will sign, and endeavor to get 
others to sign, a card reading as follows : 



Comrades of the morning UPatcb Enrollment 

- Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for help, I will make 
it the rule of my life to set apart at least fifteen minutes 
every day, if possible in the early morning, for quiet medi- 
tation, Scripture reading, and prayer. 

Signature 

Address 

Please sign and return to Bureau of Bible Study, 57 Washington St., Chicago, 111. 

IO3 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Many of the young people in the League strive to be 
regular in reading their Bibles every day ; but when the 
reading is done here and there, with no fixed purpose, 
and at any convenient time, it is likely to be neglected. 
The Morning Watch suggests a time, supplies a definite 
purpose, and makes the Bible a living book. 

Some members are doing daily study in the regular 
Epworth League Bible courses. All such members, and 
those who are doing no study at all, should become com- 
rades of the enrollment. To sign the card gives definite- 
ness and fixedness to one's purpose, gives the movement 
the strength and inspiration of numbers, and puts the 
signer in a position where he can consistently urge others 
to make a habit of daily Bible study and prayer. The 
devotional meeting at which this subject is presented 
should be in charge of the first department. 

The following suggestions may prove helpful to the 
committee in presenting the enrollment, and in making 
as much of the day as possible. 

1. The First Vice-President should order, at once, 
from the Bureau of Bible Study, 57 Washington Street, 
Chicago, a supply of Morning Watch circulars and cards. 
The circulars and cards are sent free of charge when 
ordered in limited quantities. In lots of 100 or more, 
15 cents per 100 is charged to cover postage. 

2. At the meeting several speakers should present 
such topics as the following: "The advantages of keep- 
ing the Morning Watch," "The value of meditating on 
the work of God," "The Morning Watch for personal 
spiritual growth," "The place of daily Bible study and 
prayer in the life of the young Christian." 

3. Where there are regular Bible study classes, the 
members of these classes should give short testimonies 



GETTING AND USING SPIRITUAL POWER. 105 



concerning the value of daily Bible study to the spirit- 
ual life. 

4. A prominent place should be given to those who 
are already ''Comrades." Their testimonials should be 
so framed as to induce others to enroll. 

5. Ask the pastor, in a few words, to indorse the en- 
rollment and make prominent several points, viz. : That 
the enrollment is not an inflexible pledge; one can with- 
draw from it at any time ; that there are no dues nor 
taxes; that each one can decide for himself how he will 
spend the time each day. 

6. At the close of the meeting the cards should be 
passed, and after a few moments of silent prayer, should 
be signed by all who desire to do so. The cards should 
then be collected and forwarded at once to the Bureau 
of Bible Study, 57 Washington Street, Chicago. The 
cards are filed and acknowledged by the Bureau. Each 
signer receives a neat covenant card, free of charge, for 
his own use. This covenant card should be signed and 
placed in some conspicuous place, where it can be seen 
each day. 

7. The campaign should not end at this meeting. It 
will be but a beginning. A personal canvass of the whole 
Chapter should follow. This canvass can be made by 
the members of the Spiritual Department, or by a spe- 
cially appointed committee. 

8. In all the plans for this day there should be much 
prayer by all concerned. The speakers and the music 
should be selected with great care. The meeting should 
be characterized by no mere temporary enthusiasm, but 
should be pervaded by an intense, quiet, heart-searching 
spirit. 



io6 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



The: Elements of the: Morning Watch. 

Prayer. — The secret of prayer is the sense of rela- 
tionship. If we are God's children, prayer is not only 
essential, but natural to us. 

"Prayer is the Christian's vital breath, 
The Christian's native air." 

Whatever scoffers may say, and whatever may be the 
claims of science regarding the uselessness of prayer, 
we have one sufficient answer. These nineteen hundred 
years attest, through the experience of myriads of God's 
saints, that prayer is a real force and must be reckoned 
with. That is a good enough answer for the critics. 
For the Christian himself there is a more vivid proof. 
In the measure that he has been a praying Christian he 
has been a successful Christian. There are many causes 
of backsliding, but none are so certain to produce that 
effect as the neglect of the prayer life. 

Prayer at the day's beginning is likely to fix the level 
of the day's living. It is a confession of allegiance, and 
going from the presence-chamber of the King to a day 
of sinfulness is not possible, continuously. Either the 
sinful day must be abandoned or the morning prayer 
will be. 

Prayer at the morning hour works its most potent 
spell upon our own lives. There is a mighty reflex power 
in prayer. It reacts upon ourselves. The morning finds 
us rested. Our minds are clearer than at a later hour. 
The day has not yet written its marks of care and pre- 
occupation upon our faces and our hearts. God has the 
first opportunity to bring moral and spiritual forces to 
bear upon us. It gives God the firstfruits of the day, 
the right of way in our lives. 

Meditation. — Meditation is an old-fashioned exercise. 



GETTING AND USING SPIRITUAL POWER. 107 



It is not popular in the nervous new civilization of our 
time. It looks like laziness. It seems to be a waste of 
time. In the city we must read the morning paper at 
breakfast, finish it on the way to our work, and find some- 
thing- to be busy with after coming home at night. In 
the country the methods are different, but the purpose is 
the same. We dislike to shut ourselves in with our own 
thoughts. Sometimes we are afraid of ourselves, afraid 
of what we will think about ourselves when we are forced 
to think, afraid of the direction in which our thoughts 
will lead us. Nevertheless, meditation is an exercise full 
of undeveloped possibilities for good. 

It is good that we should think about ourselves. The 
exercise is not flattering, perhaps, but it is wholesome. 
A ten-minute meditation every morning may show us 
flaws in our Christian living which need only right at- 
tention to be corrected. The moments of quiet thought 
may readjust all our notions, and save us from humilia- 
tion and wasted powers in the later hours of the day. 
They make for righteousness at the very springs of life. 

It is good that we should think about God, what 
He is, what His providences are, what He is seeking to 
teach us by our daily experiences, what His great salva- 
tion means to us, and what we can make it mean to 
others. In a peculiar sense God is our Father, for we 
have been born into the family of God. That means that 
He has claims upon us, and that we have claims upon 
Him. The Morning Watch may be made the communion 
hour, in which, besides the formal prayer, there shall be 
sweet and holy communion between the soul of the 
Christian and his Father in heaven. 

Bible Study. — This is the practical link that holds the 
Morning Watch to reality. Prayer may become a form, 
and meditation a mere dreamy dozing, or a quiet think- 



io8 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



ing about business problems which nobody will interrupt. 
The Bible is not understood as it should be, because 
it is not rightly used. We go to it for proof-texts, for 
historical, geographical, biographical, and even theolog- 
ical facts, but we do not use it sufficiently as a manual 
of devotion. There is much in the Bible that has charm 
and depth of meaning only as it is read in the prayer 
spirit. 

The Morning Watch is a thing of faith. The Bible is 
the foundation of truth on which the structure of faith 
can be built. The Bible is here. It is available, accepta- 
ble, inspiring, as well as inspired. It asks only to be 
used. The Morning Watch furnishes the opportunity. 
If fifteen minutes to half-an-hour seems too short, re- 
member that it is more than the time that would other- 
wise be spent, haphazard, in Bible study. 

Then, Bible study brings to us the Christ we need for 
cur meditation. Without it, He is a vague, shadowy fig- 
ure, half myth and half tradition. With it He appears 
as the Son of God, the revelation of the Father to the 
world, our elder Brother. In its pages we find Him 
speaking to us, His latest disciples, and saying to us, 
"Henceforth I call you not servants, but friends." 

A Practical Method of Keeping the Morning 
Watch. 

Be Alone. — That is your right, and you need such 
complete solitude that you will be away from all but 
God. "When thou prayest enter into thy closet, and when 
thou hast shut the door, pray.'' Get away from all con- 
sciousness of the presence of others. If you can not do 
that in the morning, change the hour of your secret 
prayer rather than miss it altogether. 

Pray. — "When thou hast shut the door, pray to thy 



GETTING AND USING SPIRITUAL POWER. 109 



father which is in secret." Begin the watch with com- 
munion, that the consciousness of God's presence may be 
felt at once. If you are out of hearing of the rest of the 
family, pray audibly. There is usually less difficulty in 
concentrating attention on the prayer if it is spoken. 

Read. — This is the time for devotional Bible read- 
ing. Perhaps your prayer has suggested a passage to be 
read. A good plan is to lay out a course of devotional 
reading, if possible linking it with your work in Bible 
study, omitting those elements of the course that are not 
distinctly devotional. Read aloud, and read the passage 
twice or thrice. 

Think. — Before you go about your business, face the 
day's life from the view-point of this place of communion 
and worship. Many a time you will be able to avoid 
temptation and to see opportunities for quiet helpfulness. 
You will go out to the tasks of the day girded with a 
strength not your own. 

PERSONAL EVANGELISM. 

Why should Christians be told that they must be eager 
to make Christians of others? We understand why a 
grocer asks his customers to secure other customers for 
him, or why a newspaper asks its subscribers to help 
increase its circulation. That is advertising, with the 
hope of profit arising from it. 

But is not religion a different thing? Are we not 
dealing with something too delicate and too sacredly 
personal to justify our interference? The inner life is a 
secret and private concern. Why should we invade the 
seclusion of a man's soul, when we would scorn to ven- 
ture, unbidden, into his house? 

The answer has four forms. 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



We would venture, unbidden, into a man's house, if 
it were necessary to warn him of some great danger. 
Propriety is all very well, but in time of peril we set it 
aside. And so, because Christians believe that all who 
are not Christ's are in real peril, and threatened by suf- 
fering more terrible than any earthly calamity could 
bring, they believe that the unconverted must be re- 
proved, warned, exhorted "to flee from the wrath to 
come." 

Another phase of the answer is that the Christian life 
is so full of privilege and promise that every real Chris- 
tian desires others to know its power and blessedness. If 
propriety permits a good newspaper to be advertised by 
its readers, or a great remedy to be made public by those 
who have been benefited, there is a thousandfold greater 
reason for seeking to win our friends to Christ. He 
transforms life. He makes all things new. He implants 
the power of an endless life in the center of being. It is 
a marvelous change. It has come to us. We would that 
it might come to others. 

The third reason for personal evangelism is that it is 
God's plan for spreading the glad tidings. He purposes 
that Christians shall win Christians. In most cases a 
direct personal interview will clinch a sermon or a book 
or a speech, when to preach another sermon or write an- 
other book or deliver another speech would result in total 
failure. 

The fourth reason is that personal evangelism is 
necessary to maintain our own Christian life. Without 
some attempt to win others to our faith, we can not hope 
to retain that faith in vigor and clearness. He who can 
not recommend Christ to others will soon lose his own 
interest in the Saviour. 

We are beginning to learn that it is a mistake to con- 



GETTING AND USING SPIRITUAL POWER, in 



fine our attention to the crowd. Religion is so intensely 
personal and individual that, no matter how general a 
spiritual movement may be, each person has a separate, 
distinct relation to it. Every case of conversion is the 
conversion of an individual. You can not save the 
masses, or the submerged tenth, or the other convenient 
rhetorical groups of people. You must save men and 
women one at a time. This was the method of the Mas- 
ter. His greatest messages, His most careful ministries, 
and His most successful labors were all for the benefit 
of the individual. 

Peter, Nathanael, the Ethiopian ambassador, and the 
Roman centurion, all were brought to Jesus by the same 
simple method. There were great sermons in apostolic 
times, and great results came from them. But the care 
taken in the New Testament to record the winning of 
individuals by individuals has much meaning. The record 
is for our encouragement and our example. The preach- " 
ing of great sermons to vast multitudes is good, but it 
can not be done everywhere, or by everybody, and if it 
could it is not the ideal way. Faith in Christ is an in- 
tensely personal thing. It is best awakened by direct, 
personal, private labor. 

Personal Christian work is the best evangelism, there- 
fore, because it is personal. A book can demonstrate the 
binomial theorem. But the plan of salvation is best com- 
prehended when it is emphasized and illustrated by a 
saved sinner. 

Another lesson we are learning is that there is no 
such thing as salvation by machinery. Boards, commit- 
tees, societies, brotherhoods, leagues, and all the rest, are 
exceedingly useful, but none of them is a substitute for 
personal service in behalf of the unsaved. No one can 
escape the responsibility indicated in the story of the 



ii2 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 

Good Samaritan by sending a check to the secretary of 
the Society for the Relief of Distressed Travelers on the 
Jericho Road. 

All this means that the Epworth League's purpose, to 
try "to help others attain the highest New 'Testament 
standard of experience and life," must be accomplished 
largely by personal work. Personal Christian work is 
not easily done. It is, perhaps, the most difficult form 
of Christian service. But at the same time, it is the most 
valuable form, richest in benefits to the worker, and in 
results. It requires a measure of personal spiritual life 
that is not so markedly demanded by any other form of 
religious work. One can do so many things in connection 
with the Church and the Epworth League without pos- 
sessing the highest and most definite personal experience. 
But the work of seeking others, and dealing with them 
face to face concerning their salvation, can not be done 
when the spiritual life is at low ebb. The prayer-life 
must be unobstructed, and the sense of communion with 
God uninterrupted. 

In the first place, then, the personal worker should 
seek the fullness of the Christian life for himself. Then 
there must be the most complete and most unquestioning 
dedication of his powers to this work. With such a be- 
ginning, the fear of man will become an unimportant 
thing. The Bible should be studied for its bearing on 
the matter of personal salvation. Then, here are a few 
simple rules of approach: 

Be perfectly natural when speaking of spiritual things. 

Avoid denunciation, or positive statements concerning 
particular sins. Leave these to the conscience, as it is 
enlightened by the Holy Spirit. 

Do not be too careful. Prefer an occasional mistake 
to the missing of an opportunity. 



GETTING AND USING SPIRITUAL POWER. 113 



As a rule, do not try to do personal spiritual work 
in a crowd. 

Use simple language, and avoid as much as possible 
those stereotyped phrases which everybody recognizes, 
but which have ceased to convey any definite meaning. 

Do not argue. Seek for points of agreement rather 
than for points of difference. 

Be free to make use of your own experience. 

As much as possible confine your work to those of 
your own sex and age. 

Urge prompt action. 

Secure co-operation in prayer. It is a great gain if 
the unsaved can be induced to pray for himself. 

Do not tell any one that he is saved. He will find 
that out from a better authority than you are. 

The beginning of personal work need not be post- 
poned until you have a great number of people among 
whom to begin. There is some one already near to you 
whom you know, and to whom you can go without need 
of introduction or special ceremony. That one is the first 
person to whom your duty calls you. 

When decisions have been reached, there is great need 
for care, and the following up of each individual case. 
Do not drop the acquaintance when the first great pur- 
pose of your work has been accomplished. You have not 
only brought a soul to Christ, but you have Avon a friend. 
Offer all possible help in the beginning of a new socia 1 
life. Enlist the co-operation of a few warm-hearted, con- 
genial Christians. Secure your new-found friend as a 
member of the Epworth League, and set him to work at 
once at some definite Christian task. 



8 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



BexiEve They are: Worth Winning. 

There is nothing like it for rousing the desire to win 
people to Christ. So long as we can not see any great 
gain in it, a thousand things will prevent us from becom- 
ing soul-winners. But when we put right values on eter- 
nal destinies, and on the influences which shape those 
destinies, hindrances disappear. 

God believes in the worth of human souls. His plan 
to save them is His measure of their value. Our Lord 
put the divine estimate of a soul's worth into a form we 
could understand, when He gave Himself to save sinners. 

We say we are profoundly grateful for the personal 
interest of Jesus Christ in our own souls. But He is no 
more interested in us than in the millions who have never 
confessed Him. If our gratitude measures our opinion 
of what He has done for us, should it not send us to 
these others, that they may share our joy? 

Methods. 

Direct Personal Appeal — It is the surest way, though 
often the most difficult at the outset. It was Jesus' way. 

The Printed Page. — Much as some people may sneer 
at tracts, God has greatly honored them in the past, and 
will continue to do so. The form of the tract has been 
improved, and sometimes it becomes a full-fledged book. 
But in any form, wisely used, it will help in the work of 
soul-winning. 

Intercessory Prayer. — The notable chain which 
started with a New York commercial traveler's prayer 
list had as its successive links the merchant for whom 
he prayed, C. K. Ober, now prominent in Young 
Men's Christian Association work, and John R. Mott, 
the leader of the Christian students of the whole world. 

Letters. — When you can not go in person, you can 



GETTING AND USING SPIRITUAL, POWER. 115 



send a letter. Choose the moment of unusual experience, 
some sorrow, some affliction, or even some advancement 
and gain, to write a note of sympathy and cheer to the 
person concerned. That is the mother's way. How often 
it succeeds ! 

Ten Pointed Questions, Plus One, 

What is the best form of evangelistic work for the 
needs of the present day ? 

Is it true that most Christians have never won a sin- 
gle soul to Christ ? What shall we do about it ? 

What is the best way to win souls for Christ? 

What is the first requirement of a soul- winner? 

Am I willing to go empty-handed into God's pres- 
ence from my present place of opportunity? 

In my present spiritual condition, am I fit to attempt 
personal work? 

Considering my present way of life, would any one 
who knows me be willing to receive spiritual counsel 
from me ? 

Who is the first person I ought to try to win for 
Christ? 

Would my nearest friends be greatly surprised if I 
should approach them about their salvation ? 

Suppose I should try to win somebody to the Chris- 
tian life, do I know how to go about it? 

In view of the answers to these ten questions, what 
is the first thing I ought to do as a Christian ? 

How Your Chapter May Begin. 

Determine that you will begin. 

Make the Chapter a "Win One Society," not in form, 
but in fact. 

A passion for souls may be roused by skillful use of 
the Bible. 



Il6 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



No fault finding; loyalty to the great purpose of the 
movement. 

Agree with two or three others that you will seek the 
salvation of certain individuals. 

Make a record of those for whom some member is 
specially concerned. 

Cottage prayer-meetings afford fine opportunities for 
personal dealing with individuals. 

Never be discouraged. 

Reai, Hindrances. 

Inconsistent living spoils the work of many a would 7 
be soul-winner. There is no critic like the unconverted 
observer of a Christian's conduct. You must not live on 
his level if you are in earnest about helping him higher. 

But the removal of this hindrance is a double gain. 
A consistent Christian life is in itself a great reward. It 
means peace, joy, confidence. And it makes possible the 
greatest service earth knows — the leading of others to 
the love and presence of Jesus Christ. 

Unbelief is a real obstacle. If you do not believe in 
God, that He can save souls, or in yourself, that you can 
seek souls, or in the unsaved, that they need salvation, 
you can never win souls to Jesus Christ. 

Where is your unbelief? Surely not in God's readi- 
ness, if you believe in Him at all. Surely not in the sin- 
ner's need, after all you have seen of godless lives. Is it 
in your lack of confidence in yourself? Get that confi- 
dence, by whatever means you may. Pray, depend on 
God, and begin! We learn to do by doing, not by doubt- 
ing or by theorizing. Begin with the opportunity near- 
est you. 

Over-sensitiveness keeps many Christians from the 
direct work of soul-winning. They are unwilling to at- 



GETTIXG AND USING SPIRITUAL POWER. 117 



tempt such pointed and definite effort. They fear re- 
pulse, or criticism, or discovery of their own unfitness. 
Some of these things may be imaginary, but the fear of 
them is real, and a great obstacle. 

There is no remedy for it, except the acceptance of 
one's plain duty, and the conviction : "I can do all things, 
through Christ.'' That will come by prayer and quiet 
meditation, and by complete surrender of life to the pur- 
poses of God. 

Imaginary Hindrances. 

''People resent being appealed to so directly." They 
do if the approach is made without tact, or by some one 
in whom they have no confidence. But very few will re- 
sent the coming of one whom they respect, if there is 
evidence of genuine feeling and interest. 

"I do not know how to argue with unbelievers." It 
is not necessary. They do not need argument. Most 
people who have not accepted Christ do not need to be 
convinced ; they need to be convicted. You may be the 
messenger of the Holy Spirit in doing the work of con- 
viction. 

"I have had no experience." Neither Philip nor An- 
drew was experienced when they won Xathanael and 
Simon. There is no way to get experience unless you 
make a beginning. Find your Simon, your Nathanael. 
They are not far away. You need not many words. Sim- 
ply : "I have found Christ. You may find Him." That 
is the heart and art of soul-winning. 

"I am too busy to give the time such important work 
requires." You are not too busy to eat or sleep, or to 
do any other necessary thing. Only accept the truth that 
this is necessary work, and you will find time for it, even 
if it compels the giving up of some less important occu- 
pations. 



1 18 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



"I am not sufficiently familiar with the Bible." That 
is, in part, a real hindrance, but it is not insurmountable. 
Soul- winning is one of the strongest incentives to Bible 
study. Try to win some one to Christ, and you will dis- 
cover a new urgency toward knowing your Bible. But 
you know enough of the Scripture at this moment to 
make you a measurably successful winner of souls. Be- 
gin with what knowledge you have, and you will soon 
get more. 

THE FELLOW-WORKERS' COVENANT. 

This is, to begin with, a personal devotement to a cer- 
tain definite purpose. Afterwards it is an enrollment for 
the sake of information, inspiration, and education. 
Every Christian who is willing in any degree to be a 
worker for the salvation of his fellows should have no 
hesitation in committing himself to this Covenant. 

Copies of the Covenant may be had from the Central 
Office of the Epworth League, 57 Washington Street, 
Chicago, at the rate of 25 cents per hundred. That price 
makes them cheap enough to use in mass-meetings, in de- 
votional-meetings, and, in fact, everywhere the claims of 
personal evangelism may be presented. 

STUDIES IN PERSONAL EVANGELISM. 

The Key. — The key to the twentieth-century revival 
is personal evangelism. If, in any Church or Young Peo- 
ple's Society, a half-dozen, a dozen, or a half-hundred 
people would wait before God in humiliation and prayer 
until all hardness of heart was melted, all worldliness 
burned out, all cowardice removed, all pride destroyed, 
all self crucified, and then would go out in the power of 
the Spirit to speak in the name of Jesus to those who 
know not Christ, there would soon come such a Pentecost 



GETTING AND USING SPIRITUAL POWER. 119 



Price per hundred, twenty-five cents. 



Send this to the Central Office of the Epworth League, 57 
Washington St., Chicago, 111. 

FELLOW-WORKER'S COVENANT 

"■For we are God's fellow-workers." 
(R. V.) 1 Cor. iii, 9. 

I wish to be enrolled as one who by persistent personal effort 
will seek to bring at least Jive persons to Christ within one year. 

Name 

Chapter Charge 

District Conference 

Motto — " He brought him to Jesus. "—John i: 42. 



S 5 

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Put this in your Bible. 



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as would give to the Church a mighty impetus toward 
world-wide conquest, and a new reason for triumph and 
praise. 

The Opportunity. — To organize and train for Christ 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



a band of personal workers, to turii the young life of the 
Church into new channels of usefulness and service, is an 
opportunity to be coveted by any man or woman to whom 
God has given His Holy Spirit. And the first essential 
to leadership in such a work is the consciousness of the 
greatness of the opportunity. Without this there will be 
no clear vision of duty and responsibility, and no real en- 
thusiasm in the work. With it there will be the strong 
sense of confidence, the faith that surmounts difficulties, 
and the zeal that makes service for Christ a real delight. 

The Preparation. — But there must be the most care- 
ful preparation as well. The leader should have in mind 
a clear outline of the work to be done, not only in a par- 
ticular meeting, but, if possible, an outline of the entire 
course. And he needs not only a head preparation but a 
heart preparation. When Ole Bull went down to Prince- 
ton to play for the students he took with him a very ordi- 
nary looking instrument. But the students were amazed 
at the wonderful music he drew from it. When he had 
done they crowded about to ask how such music could 
be called forth from such a common looking violin. Then 
the great musician assured them that the music was not 
in the violin, nor in the bow, nor yet in his arm ; "I never 
play," he said, "until I have spent hours getting my own 
soul filled with music, and what you hear is simply the 
overflow of soul." There must be the overflow of soul 
in all successful leadership for personal dealing with the 
souls of others. 

The Meeting. — The meeting should begin promptly at 
the hour appointed. It should begin and close with 
prayer. The course contemplated is supposed to be cov- 
ered in about eight weeks with one meeting each week. 
This will make it necessary to take from three to four of 
the studies in the text-book at each meeting. 



GETTING AND USING SPIRITUAL POWER. 121 



A printed outline of the program should be given 
each member of the class at least one week in advance. 
Or, if desired, the announcement for the entire course 
may be given out at the first meeting. 

Make it Practical. — Let every meeting be an inspira- 
tion to something definite and practical. Do not be con- 
tent to simply have a meeting. Do not let it be said that 
the course was only a study. Make it much more than 
that. The topics suggested in the program outlines pro- 
vided by the Central Office are intended to develop prac- 
tical methods of personal work. Let the leader seek to 
bring out and emphasize these in connection with each 
meeting. Steer clear of ruts. Have a definite aim in 
every meeting. Let time be taken for suggestions and 
plans for definite personal work in the Sunday-school, in 
the Epworth League, in the community. Seek to lead 
the class to look upon every unsaved soul as a fortress to 
be taken for Christ. Plan to take that fortress in the 
name of the Lord. 

The Program. — The outlines which will be furnished 
each leader are intended to be merely suggestive. They 
cover the entire course, and, if the leader so desires, may 
be used just as they are by simply filling in the names of 
those who are to take the various parts. But in the mak- 
ing of his program the leader will do well to consider 
the number in the class, the amount of time to be occu- 
pied, the special gifts or talents of particular members of 
the class, and the needs of the community. Above all, 
let there be prayer for the Holy Spirit's guidance, and 
tact in selecting the persons to whom the topics are as- 
signed. 

Begin the class in Personal Evangelism as soon in 
November as possible, so that the work of putting its 
teachings into practice may begin during the season when 



122 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



the whole Church is definitely going about the business 
of getting people interested in the new life in Jesus Christ. 

THE LEAGUE AND THE REVIVAL. 

When a revival effort is planned by the Church, the 
hour for testing the Epworth League as a spiritual force 
is at hand. What is the attitude of its members toward 
the coming work of grace? What measure of responsi- 
bility will they bear? What service will they perform? 
Is the League to be at the front during the great conflict 
of the coming weeks, or will it be found skulking in the 
rear ? Shall it be said that it makes a brilliant display on 
dress parade, and counts largely when membership is 
reckoned, but is lacking when heroic service is de- 
manded? These are serious questions. They should 
make us very sober. And they ought to send us to our 
knees to beseech God to prepare us for the work He is 
preparing for us. 

Let a few of the most devoted members meet with 
the pastor to talk about the coming revival. Let them be 
led to see how much of the success of the campaign de- 
pends upon their consecration and zeal. Let it be un- 
derstood that the young people will be expected to give up 
all social engagements while the special meetings are in 
progress, and devote themselves utterly to soul-winning. 
Have a season of prayer. Let the self-surrender be com- 
plete. Then go out from this little conference with 
hearts aglow and tongues aflame. It will not be long 
before the whole Chapter will feel the influence of these 
consecrated leaders. 

Work Outside th£ Church. 

Epworthians can do wonders outside the meeting. 
Advertising must be done. Interest must be awakened. 



GETTING AND USING SPIRITUAL POWER. 123 

The attention of the community must be diverted from 
the usual channels, and directed to the revival. In this 
work the third and fourth departments should lead. But 
every one in the Chapter who is willing to work should 
be drafted for this service. Give attention to systematic 
visiting. District your territory. Make the districts 
small, so as to cover them thoroughly. Send out workers 
by twos. Carry neatly printed announcements of the 
meeting and an invitation from the pastor to attend. Pay 
particular attention to the indifferent members of your 
own League and congregation. Find people who do not 
attend any Church. Do not work in formal style. Put 
soul into it. Be extremely courteous. Do not consider 
your duty done when you have handed an invitation in at 
the door. Speak a few words about the meetings. Tell 
about what good times you are having or expect to have. 
Mention any special cases of conversion that might ar- 
rest attention. Secure, if possible, a promise to attend 
the meeting on the following evening. 

All the departments should co-operate with the pastor 
and the Department of Spiritual Work in holding cot- 
tage prayer-meetings. 

Prayer-meetings carried to the homes of the uncon- 
verted will reach some who could be reached in no other 
way. Try a cottage prayer-meeting. 

But in addition to this, every member of the Chapter 
should consider himself a committee of one to talk up 
the special services. What people are talking about soon 
becomes a matter of general interest. Curiosity asks 
questions. It insists upon the most satisfactory answer, 
which is to go to the meeting and find out. Multitudes 
have gone to see and hear, and have remained to pray 
and rejoice. 

Let a few consecrated members of your Chapter form 



epworth league methods. 



a league within the League. Meet to pray and plan. 
Covenant with one another to spend a definite time every 
day in prayer for the coming revival. Covenant to speak 
to some unconverted young person each day about his 
soul. 

Work at th£ Church. 

The pastor is leader. At his right hand stands the De- 
partment of Spiritual Work. Around these will rally the 
spiritual forces of the Chapter, no matter what depart- 
ment ordinarily claims their service. 

First, let the regular devotional meeting of the Chap- 
ter be made a special revival service. Let songs, testi- 
monies, and prayers point that way. If the topic for the 
evening can not be used as a revival topic, throw it over- 
board. Aim to secure definite results. Be candid. Be 
serious. Be tremendously in earnest. Introduce such 
personal questions as these, and talk about them : "What 
were the chief agencies in my conversion?" "Have I 
the witness of the Spirit now ?" "Is my consecration com- 
plete ?" "What must I do to have a clean heart ?" "Has 
my indifference or inconsistency stood in the way of the 
salvation of my friends?" "What can I do to help the 
revival ?" Such a meeting will be more fruitful if a few 
consecrated workers have met together to talk with each 
other and with God beforehand. 

Close with an altar service. Urge every member of 
the Chapter to make a definite, unconditional, entire con- 
secration of himself to God, and to pledge talent and in- 
fluence and time and downright hard work during the 
revival campaign. Loyalty to the pastor is a test of loy- 
alty to the League at any time, but especially so at such 
a momentous time as this. 



GETTING AND USING SPIRITUAL POWER. 125 



Helping With the; Singing. 

A few weeks before the meeting begins a large chorus 
should be formed. Give the old hymns the precedence, 
but learn some choice new ones. The congregation will 
soon catch the airs, and they will become popular. A 
half-hour before the meeting opens a service of song may 
be conducted. It is an inspiring prelude to the meeting. 
The leader of such a chorus must have both sense and 
religion. Appropriateness in selection is essential. Dur- 
ing a testimony meeting suitable stanzas should be in- 
jected every little while — just one stanza. It should 
fit the experience just related. When a brother gives a 
mountain-top experience it is hardly the thing to start up 

"Come on, my partners in distress." 

But just that kind of thing is likely to happen if 
everybody is at liberty to start a tune in haphazard fash- 
ion. Singing has come to be a most powerful adjunct to 
revivals. How important that it be appropriate, spirited, 
spiritual, rapturous. It should not only draw the people 
to the Church, but should help to convict and convert 
them. Let the young people throw themselves into the 
ministry of song with all their soul. Sing the words as 
though you meant them. Sing saints into higher ex- 
periences. Sing sinners into the kingdom. 

Personal Approach. 

Then each Epworthian may do effective service by 
personal conversation with his unsaved friends. The 
majority of those in the Church to-day were led to de- 
cision by some tender, earnest words from a friend in 
whom they believed. All have personal friends over 
whom their influence is great. We must watch for suita- 



126 BP WORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



ble opportunities. We say suitable opportunities. Some 
people are not wise in their approach to others. They 
have no tact. Their manner is offensive. They repel. 
It will not do to be so importunate that it amounts to 
teasing. Our best friends may become weary of us, and 
remain away from the meetings altogether. Be gentle. 
Be courteous. A few well-directed words spoken at an 
appropriate time will be more effective than a sermon. 

A letter addressed to one for whose salvation we are 
praying will often do what spoken words could not do. 
But, remember, if we are to influence people by personal 
approach we must have the help of the Holy Spirit. 
Words will be cold and ineffective if spoken in our own 
strength. Our hearts must be melted and burdened. 
We must see the awful danger to which our friends are 
exposed and realize our personal responsibility for their 
rescue. We must long for their salvation. We must so 
long to see them coming to Christ that our desire becomes 
a literal agony of soul. The passionless soul can never 
be a soul-winner. 

Some Forms of Practical Work. 

Every member of the Chapter can do something. Not 
all can do the same thing. Not all can work with equal 
ease. Not all can produce the same results. But all can 
do something. And that something will please God and 
bless others. To one has been given five talents of abil- 
ity and opportunity. To another, two. To a third, only 
one. But every person has at least one talent. All God 
asks, and all the Church asks, is that we will do our best. 
The use of the one talent you now have indicates pretty 
clearly what you would do with the five, should they be 
given you. Besides, the conscientious use of one talent 
to-day means four to-morrow and eight the day after. 



GETTING AND USING SPIRITUAL POWER. 127 



The members of Hanson Place Chapter, Brooklyn, 
during a revival effort in that Church, played a con- 
spicuous part in its success. They believed in "conse- 
crated printers' ink," supplemented by a consecrated 
Methodist zeal, and provided themselves with ammuni- 
tion of various kinds, including the following : 

1. A folded card inscribed on the back, "Card of in- 
troduction," the inside containing a bulletin of Church 
services and the following invitation : 

If duty does not call you elsewhere, we most cordially 
invite you to worship with us, and make this your Church 
home. 

If you would like the pastor to make your acquaint- 
ance, please write your name and address on this card 
and mail to him, or drop in the collection plate. 

Name 

Address 

These were handed to strangers on entering or re- 
tiring from Church service, always accompanied by a 
hearty hand-shake. 

2. A card to be given out on the street, containing a 
bulletin of Church services, and an invitation to attend 
any or all of them. These were distributed. 

3. A circular for use in residences, carefully worded 
to avoid offending the most sensitive, inviting any mem- 
ber of the family to attend the services of the Church, 
Sunday-school, or Epworth League. This the worker 
signed with his or her own name, inclosed it in an en- 
velope addressed to the head of the house (the name be- 
ing ascertained in any way possible) and mailed or 
dropped in the letter box. With the circular was in- 
closed a return card, which simply expressed a desire to 
make the acquaintance of the pastor, having a place for 



128 EP WORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



name and address of recipient. This card he was re- 
quested to drop in the basket or mail to the pastor. 

4. A circular prepared with great care, in considera- 
tion of the exceeding delicacy of its mission, to be handed 
to clerks in offices and stores, and employees in fac- 
tories and elsewhere. This circular was signed by the 
worker, inclosed with a card, as the other, addressed to 
the recipient, and personally delivered. For this service 
the greatest care was exercised in the selection of the 
workers, who needed more than ordinary tact, and judg- 
ment. 

As soon as one of these cards was returned, the signer 
was visited by one or more members, and given to un- 
derstand that a most cordial welcome might be expected 
in every department of the Church's activities. He was 
as earnestly invited to the Sunday-school as to the 
League service itself. 

The work so far outlined was undertaken by the 
Mercy and Help Department. 

The unsaved who were drawn in by these means were 
socially welcomed by the Department of Social Work, 
whose special province it was to make the erstwhile 
stranger feel perfectly at home in this great active hive 
of workers. Then the Department of Literary Work, 
with its monthly gatherings, provided substance for the 
mind after the body had been warmed. 

As the crowning office of this service of ingathering, 
the Department of Spiritual Work looked after the wel- 
fare of their souls. To this end it conducted a prayer- 
meeting for young men every Sunday morning at 9.30 
o'clock ; a general prayer and praise service Sunday even- 
ing at 6.30 o'clock, ever increasing in number and in- 
terest. This department also provided a Lookout Com- 
mittee to catch strangers at the prayer-meeting, detect 



GETTING AND USING SPIRITUAL POWER."~i29 



any moistened eyes, or uplifted hands, and see to it that 
no soul under conviction escaped from any service with- 
out a fraternal word of Christian greeting and kindly 
sympathy. 

While these various functions were distributed 
theoretically and actually among the several departments, 
it was understood that the members should not confine 
themselves by any cast-iron restrictions. Every member 
of the Chapter, so far as the matter of soul-saving is con- 
cerned, was a free agent, entitled to work with any de- 
partment, or render any individual service which came 
to hand. 

The Study of Christian Experience. 

The Epworth League believes in the reality of a per- 
sonal knowledge of the things which accompany salva- 
tion. The great Methodist doctrine of assurance is a vital 
element of our creed, and we do not believe that any 
man, by any sort of teaching, can supply or render un- 
necessary the experience which comes to the Christian 
through the direct testimony of the Holy Spirit. 

But there is a whole realm of religious attainment 
awaiting the new disciple. What shall he seek? How 
shall he live? What shall be his life-history as a Chris- 
tian? In most cases the answers to these questions are 
found, if at all, in the hints which a pastor may drop 
from the pulpit, by unrelated and fugitive reading of 
religious books and papers, or by a comparison of one's 
own experience with the testimonies of other Christians. 

The Epworth League provides a better way. A few 
small and plainly written books, a simple grouping of 
students about a leader, a definite program of ordered and 
consecutive study, — this is, in a word, the plan of the 
"Studies in Christian Experience." It is a better way 



9 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



because it sets in order the various aspects of Christian 
experience, relates each aspect to all the others, and helps 
to furnish the student with material by which, in the 
light of his own soul's knowledge, he may go steadily 
forward from victory to victory, until he comes into 
the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ. 

The class method is recommended for this, as for the 
other subjects in which the League seeks to educate and 
develop its members. Experience has abundantly demon- 
strated that the class system, for most people, is by far 
the most useful, profitable and practical plan. 

Classes in Christian Experience should be formed 
about the time when special evangelistic work in the 
Church has closed, so that the new converts and those 
Christians who have discovered in themselves a lack both 
of knowledge and experience in spiritual things may be- 
gin when interest in the subject is aroused and keen. 

The Central Office of the League will send full par- 
ticulars of the books offered and the helps provided for 
leaders, with all other information required to make the 
conduct of a class successful. 



CHAPTER VII. 



THE BOOK AND ITS STUDY. 

The: Christian has a book, in which, together with 
many valuable but less important things, he may find all 
he needs concerning the great work of his salvation. 
Here is all the information which he requires in order to 
accept, to understand, and to tell to others the whole 
work of God in redeeming man from destruction. It 
gives the history of redemption, the practical teaching 
of redemption, and the laws of life which govern those 
who accept redemption. 

Now, if redemption from sin is a great thing, the 
Bible must be a book of great practical importance. If 
our relation toward God and toward righteousness is the 
supreme concern of life, the Bible becomes a book we 
dare not neglect. We can not treat it like other books. 
There is no urgent need that we should read Shakespeare, 
and no moral compulsion drives us to the pages of Em- 
erson or Carlyle. But we are not dealing with literature 
in the case of the Bible. We are dealing with life, our 
own life, for this day, and for all the days and the ages. 
If the Bible is a closed book to us God's plan for us is 
unknown, and our duty to Him is undiscovered. So 
must we perish ! 

How shall we study the Bible? What are the best 
methods? What are the most reliable helps? These 
questions are asked on every hand. Their right answer- 

131 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



ing is of great moment. Some things may be said that 
will clear the way for each to find his own answer. 

First, then, there are ways not to study the Bible. 
It is not a text-book on any one of the circle of the 
sciences. It is not a description of the bit of country bor- 
dering on the Mediterranean between Asia Minor and 
Egypt. It is not merely a collection of Hebrew litera- 
ture. If it is studied for these things, the student will 
add to his store of knowledge, but he will miss com- 
pletely the character and aim of the Bible. 

"The Bible is one book, with one Author, one theme, 
one purpose, and one central and commanding figure." 
Its author is God, its theme redemption, its purpose to 
make redemption known to all men, its great central fig- 
ure Jesus Christ the Redeemer, the only begotten Son of 
God. Study it in the light of these facts, and it will be- 
come a living book, for the Spirit of God lives in the 
Bible. 

There are three great subjects the Christian needs 
to study: First, the historic facts of redemption. What 
was the course of God's plan to save mankind from sin 
and death? Such study brings before the student the 
whole book, for every part of it is involved in the answer 
to that question. Second, the practical meaning of the 
teachings contained in God's plan. What ought a Chris- 
tian to be? This subject also covers a wide territory of 
study. It requires the Old Testament as well as the 
New. It takes the whole Bible to make a whole Chris- 
tian. Third, the ruling principles of Christian conduct. 
What ought a Christian to do? And here you have the 
whole range of Christian activity and life. It includes 
every form of evangelization, citizenship, and philan- 
thropy, every principle of business and social life. Mis- 
sions, reforms, politics, worship, are all here. 



THE BOOK AND ITS STUDY. 



133 



Is not all this sufficient? Have we not abundant and 
weighty reason for the reverent and constant study of the 
Book? Then let it have its rightful place in our lives, 
that we may keep the commandments, be doers of the 
word, and cleanse our way by taking heed to it accord- 
ing to the law of God. 

Six Helpful Rules. 

The American Institute of Sacred Literature gives the 
following six excellent rules for Bible study : 

Work regularly. Have a definite time for your work 
every day, and as regularly as possible use that time for 
your work. 

Read intelligently. Consider as you read whether 
you understand what you are reading. If there is a word 
the meaning of which you do not know, look it up. Many 
such words can not be found in any English dictionary; 
}OU should also consult a Bible dictionary. But do not, if 
you can avoid it, pass over a word without knowing what 
it means. 

Read attentively. Notice the character of what you 
are reading, giving especial attention to the form of the 
saying. 

Record the results of your study. Have your note- 
book always at hand as you study, and use it freely to" 
make your thought clear, and to help you to hold what 
you have gained. Every day's reading ought to give you 
some result so clear and definite that you can write it 
down. Frequently let your note be a summary in your 
own words of the narrative or teaching of the passage 
studied. At other times note down whatever most im- 
presses you, whatever you have got for yourself from 
the passage. 

Make frequent reviews. The portions assigned for 



i 3 4 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



each day's reading are very brief. Much of what is 
most interesting and instructive will come to you only as 
you connect these short portions together, and see the 
teachings in relation to each other. 

Study with open mind and heart. The study of the 
Bible ought not only to store the mind, but to mold the 
heart and shape the life. It is possible, indeed, to be in 
too great haste to find the practical lesson in every pas- 
sage ; and many of the best lessons come not from a sin- 
gle section, but from the readings of many days. These 
teachings of Jesus contain a message and a method of life 
for us in our day as surely as for those in his own times. 
Let us keep our hearts open to receive them and to live 
by them. 

Nine Ways to Study the Bibus. 

Regularly. So far as possible, every day, and at the 
same time each day. 

Prayerfully. It is God's Word, and God is its best 
interpreter. 

Studiously. Do not skip the obscure places. Master 
them. 

Sympathetically. The Bible is a closed book to the 
unfriendly reader. "Seeing, he does not understand." 

Intelligently. Bring your knowledge of related sub- 
jects to bear. Do not confuse the Saul of the Old Tes- 
tament with the Saul of the New, for example. 

Systematically. Get the whole book's teaching on the 
great doctrines and the great lives. To illustrate, the 
Bible is the best text-book on faith, entire sanctification, 
and the life of Christ. 

Frankly. Let the Bible master your prejudices. Do 
not befog mind and soul by ''private interpretations." 

Believingly. It will "prove" itself, if you read it in 
good faith. 



THE BOOK AND ITS STUDY. 135 



Obediently. Bible study without Bible living is a 
mockery. "Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers 
only." 

Bible; Study Suggestions. 

Compare Scripture with Scripture. 
Glean from the marginal readings. 
Remember that the Bible is a very old book. 
Interpret the Bible upon principles of common sense. 
Be willing to let the Bible mean what it wants to 
mean. 

Keep in mind the purpose of the particular book you 
are reading. 

Cultivate spiritual sympathy with the Bible, for it 
is a spiritual book. 

Give the golden moments of the early morning to the 
study of the book. 

Give careful attention to the connection of the pas- 
sage you are reading. 

In reading Moses, Elijah, David, any Bible character, 
"put yourself in his place." 

He who reads the Bible, studies it, loves it, and obeys 
it, will share its immortality. 

The Bible in the heart is a protection against evil, a 
restrainer of sin, and a source of spiritual energy. 

The people who can quote Scripture accurately are 
not numerous. Is it carelessness, or ignorance, or lack 
of capacity ? 

The life that is too busy to afford time for Bible 
reading and study is planning for an abundance of lei- 
sure when it will be too late. 

Remember that every part of the Bible has historical 
connection with some period of ancient civilization, and 
read it with a full recognition of that fact. 



136 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



One book of the Bible thoroughly studied is worth a 
dozen books superficially read; and each book studied 
will whet the desire for and strengthen the habit of study- 
ing the other books with similar care. 

Who should read the Word? The young, to know 
how to live; the old, to know how to die; the ignorant, 
for wisdom; the learned, for humility; the rich, for 
warning; the poor, for enrichment. It is the book for 
all sorts and conditions of men. 

Bibus Study in the League. 

The Epworth League movement is so distinctly a 
spiritual movement that its interest in an intelligent ap- 
preciation of the Holy Scriptures may be taken for 
granted. The experience of every Christian worker has 
demonstrated that among the young people in all parts of 
the Church there is a continual need of a systematic, 
definite, and connected scheme of Bible study. Our 
young people need to secure a comprehensive grasp of 
Bible truth. They need to study the book, not for its 
literary value, but as their book of religion. They must 
be in a real sense specialists as to this one book. That 
this condition has not yet been attained is apparent to 
every one who has studied the situation with any thought- 
fulness. In fact, the Bible, even as history, literature, 
and sociological material, is to many an unopened book. 

But there are distinct indications that a change is al- 
ready in progress. Bible study is more largely in the 
thought and enterprise of authors and publishers than it 
has ever been. There is a decline in the popularity of 
controversies about the Bible. The establishment of 
training-schools whose great text-book is the Bible is 
another sign of the awakening interest in Bible study. 

The Epworth League has committed itself to a great 



THE BOOK AND ITS STUDY. 



137 



and comprehensive plan of Bible work. It involves a 
three years' cycle of study which covers the entire Bible. 
The course begins with "Studies in the Life of Christ," 
which provides for the first year's study, making large al- 
lowances for the summer vacation. The second year 
takes up "Studies in the Apostolic Church," and the third 
"Studies in the Old Testament." Each of these courses 
is divided into from twenty-five to thirty-five studies of 
one week each. There is a daily study scheme, indicat- 
ing the work of each day, and abundant help is provided 
for the Bible class leader or individual student, so that the 
course may be followed with the utmost effectiveness, in- 
terest, and pleasure. 

The books may be had at any branch of the Meth- 
odist Book Concern. 

The course is not only systematic, but devotional. As 
will be seen from the paragraphs on the Morning Watch, 
that and Bible study may be advantageously combined. 

At the beginning of each study year there is set apart 
a Sunday for the special consideration of this theme, and 
designated Bible Study Rally-day. This is the date for 
the inauguration of the work of the year, and the en- 
rollment of new students. The Epworth League has or- 
ganized the Bureau of Bible Study to help in the League's 
work of Bible study. It supervises the work of each 
study class, and furnishes to the leaders, without charge, 
special assistance and printed helps for the teaching of 
the lessons. 

ORGANIZING A BIBLE STUDY CLASS. 

The class may begin work at any time in the year, but 
as each course requires from twenty-five to thirty-five 
weeks for its completion, organization should, if possible, 
take place so that work may be begun early in October. 



138 HP WORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



The observance of Bible Study Rally-day will have great 
influence for good in this work of organization. The 
whole subject of Bible study may be presented at the 
Rally-day meeting. 

Secure some one who is entirely competent to. make a 
stirring inspirational address on the possibility, value, 
and importance of Bible study. It should be definite, 
direct, and devout. It should be the speech of a Bible 
student, seeking to win others to that study. Then let 
the First Vice-President follow with a clear statement 
of the course which has been chosen, describing simply 
and clearly the text-book and the plan of study. It will 
be a help if copies of the text-book are at hand for ex- 
amination. 

An enrollment of Bible students should be secured at 
this meeting, while the interest is fresh and strong. Each 
person who enrolls will be expected to do four things: 
First, to attend the classes regularly ; second, to secure a 
copy of the text-book ; third, to prepare each lesson ; 
fourth, to do as much of the special work assigned as 
possible. 

The work of enrollment should not end with this first 
meeting. A personal canvass of the entire membership 
should be made, so that every one may have an oppor- 
tunity of joining the class. No one need be ignored or 
excluded. It may be necessary in the beginning of Bible 
study work to do considerable urging, but for the sake of 
the individual and of the Church no effort should be 
spared to enroll in the class or classes as many of the 
Chapter members as possible. 

If, however, only a few are willing to enroll, do not 
be discouraged. A class of two can do successful work. 
Better have fewer members who are in earnest than a 
large enrollment of those whose interest dies with the 



THE BOOK AND ITS STUDY. 



139 



second meeting. A properly organized class will grow, 
both in interest and in numbers. If fifteen or more de- 
sire to take up the work organize two classes. Ten mem- 
bers are usually enough for one class. Other things be- 
ing equal, the smaller the class the better the work. 
There is not so much personal study done in a large class. 

The Leader. 

The leader of the Bible study class should be selected 
with great care. Whenever possible choose laymen for 
leaders. The pastor has enough on his hands already ; 
apart from that, lay leadership is' valuable for many 
reasons. The leader need not be a proficient Bible stu- 
dent, if he is one who believes in the value of the study 
and is willing to give much time to his work. These 
two qualifications are absolutely necessary. The helps 
provided by the Central Office are sufficiently full and 
definite, so that any one who has the slightest capacity for 
leadership, and is filled with the purpose to work, may 
make a real success of the class. The leader makes the 
class. 

The Meetings oe the Class. 

Meetings for study should by all means be held once 
a week, during the fall, winter and spring months. The 
time of meeting will be arranged to suit the majority of 
the members. It is better to appoint a week-night meet- 
ing if possible. Do not let the Bible study class conflict 
with the Sunday-school, or with any other of the regu- 
lar activities of the Church. It certainly should not meet 
at the Sunday-school hour. The best place for the class 
meeting is the League room of the Church, if there is 
such a room. If there are good reasons for meeting 
away from the Church, the size of the class will not be 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



so great as to interfere with the use of private houses. 
The home of a class member is always preferable. 

Soms Hints. 

Begin and close on time. If ever you happen to be- 
gin late close on time as usual. Attend strictly to busi- 
ness while the class is in session. Do not allow members 
to become erratic in attendance without frequently re- 
minding them of the privilege and opportunity they are 
missing. But it must be done tactfully, and not with a 
club. 

Arrange for a few lectures on the Bible. Ask the 
pastor or a neighboring pastor to give you the benefit of 
whatever special study he may have pursued. 

Get all the helps you can. Use freely good reference 
books. Lists of the standard books will be found in the 
text-books used. Secure as many of these books as pos- 
sible, and use them with the Bible open before you. It 
is your court of last resort, speaking the final word on 
great questions. 

In connection with the Bible study,, make much of 
private, daily, devotional reading of the Word. Herein 
is one value of the Morning Watch. 

Let the study put first emphasis upon the Bible itself, 
and not upon the class text-book. If the text-book is 
properly used it will compel a diligent use of the Bible. 

Encourage questions. They are the marks of interest. 

Vary meetings occasionally with incidental features, 
but do not permit the craze for novelty to creep in. Get 
the members to see the dignity and worth of the work 
itself. If they can learn to love it for its own sake, there 
will be no need of music and recitations to arouse inter- 
est. If there is no interest in the work itself, no amount 
of incidental attractions will avail to save the class from 
failure. 



THE BOOK AND ITS STUDY. 



141 



Maintaining th£ Interest. 

Let the class secure all the helps it can afford. The 
best work requires the best of reference works. Many 
leaders find it a decided advantage to have a reference 
library at the disposal of the entire class. The leader 
should note the catalogue of the Bible Study Reference 
Library, which contains a list of the best reference books 
at the lowest possible prices. 

These books can be secured in various ways. A few 
individuals will purchase books for themselves ; a class 
subscription might be taken; an appropriation from the 
Ep worth League treasury might be made and the books 
then become a part of the Chapter library. In some 
Chapters the money has been secured by holding a "Li- 
brary Entertainment." 

Popularize the work by giving items to the local 
papers concerning the most important and successful 
feature of your class work. 

Send your leader or some enthusiastic member of the 
class to the District Institute to collect new ideas on 
Bible work. 

Magnify private daily devotional Bible study. The 
more study of the Word for personal spiritual growth, 
the more certain the success of the class. 

Bibi,£ Study and Revival, Meetings. 

It is encouraging to know that very few classes have 
deemed it necessary to postpone their regular meetings 
on account of special revival services. If there is one 
time during the whole year when the Bible class should 
be doing effective work, that time is during the series of 
special meetings. The Bible class meeting should be- 
come the training-school for personal workers, and there 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



should be times of heart-searching and moments of wait- 
ing. Equipped with the Word of God and the Spirit of 
Christ, an effort should be made to lead young men and 
women to Jesus Christ. Bible study enables the student 
to help other Christians spiritually; it will prepare him 
to give Bible readings, to make spiritual addresses, or 
to teach Bible classes, and to guide the Bible study of 
others. 

Many classes are in Churches where special services 
have just closed. The young converts are not full-grown 
Christians. Their spiritual growth will be weak unless 
they are fed the best from God's storehouse. Visit per- 
sonally each convert, taking with you your "Studies." 
Explain the system of daily study, and tell its value in 
your own spiritual life. Invite him to the Bible class 
meeting. Have copies of the text-book on hand for 
the use of these converts. ^ 

If this plan is followed with every young convert 
there will be few backsliders. 

Bible: Study and the; Morning Watch. 

These, being two, are one. That is to say, whoso will 
become a comrade of the Morning Watch must become 
a student of the Bible. ' On the other hand, a Bible stu- 
dent, seeking a stated time for study, will be led, in most 
instances, to select the Morning Watch hour. 

The arrangement of the daily work in the Epworth 
League text-books lends itself beautifully to the combi- 
nation of Morning Watch and Bible study. Every com- 
rade should seek membership in a study class ; every 
Bible student should join the Morning Watch enroll- 
ment. Each purpose will strengthen the other. 



THE BOOK AND ITS STUDY. 



For Bibij? Study Rali^y-day. 

At the morning service the pastor will doubtless be 
more than willing to preach on "The Bible in relation to 
Christian life and to the work of the Church," or upon 
some aspect of this theme. He will thus give the whole 
movement its proper place in the curriculum of the 
Church's work. He will not only be indorsing the study 
among the members of the Epworth League, but the 
whole Church will be aroused to a sense of its importance. 

The topic for the Epworth League devotional meet- 
ing is always on some phase of the general subject. 
Make the meeting a real rally for Bible study. In using 
the topic, the suggestions found in the Devotional Meet- 
ing page of The Epworth Herald will be of great value. 

Order one each of the three text-books. Display 
them at the meeting and explain how attractive the study 
is made. To do this is much more effective than merely 
to talk about Bible study. If you can secure a number 
of the books, distribute them during the service, and 
make special references to the best features of the study. 

Discuss the relation of Bible study to spiritual growth, 
personal work, Christian service, and missions. Get 
"Bible Study for Personal Spiritual Growth," by John 
R. Mott. Price 5 cents, from the Book Concern. 

At the close of the service take the class enrollment. 
All students who have completed the first year's work 
should begin with the second. A new class should then 
be formed in the text provided for the first year's work. 
In this way there may be three study classes in the same 
Chapter. 

Let the Bible Study Committee follow up the meeting 
and increase the enrollment. 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Organize, elect a leader and secretary, and begin 
work at once. 

In the afternoon several members of the Epworth 
League should assist the Junior Superintendent. The 
aim should be to have every Junior complete the Bible 
study course provided for the Juniors. 

The League Meeting on Raixy-day. 

The thing to be aimed at in this meeting is a Bible 
study class. If all the talk and prayer and song about 
the Word of God does not result in a definite movement 
to study that Word, the meeting will not be a success. 

If the meeting is rightly managed, it will arouse con- 
viction. Do not let that conviction be wasted. Give it a 
chance to crystallize into definite action. Start a Bible 
study class. 

Can not the leader provide for a stirring address on 
the importance of Bible study by one who studies the 
Bible? Do not get some one who has no record as a 
student, unless he is willing to close his speech with a 
confession of his neglect, and a resolve to be the first 
member of the study class. 

Sing the choice songs from the hymnals which bear 
on the beauties and power of the Scriptures. 

Arrange for the testimony of half a dozen people who 
are daily reading and studying the Bible. 

Have a copy or two of the Bible study text-books on 
exhibition. 

Read through the 119th Psalm for texts bearing on 
the value of, and delight in, the Word of God. Distrib- 
ute them for comment in the testimony service. 

The First Vice-President should be given at least ten 
minutes at the close, that he may announce plans for the 
Bible study class, and secure the enrollment of members. 
The plans should be as definite as possible. 



THE BOOK AND ITS STUDY. 145 

Explain the courses. If your Chapter has not taken 
up the work at all, begin with "Studies in the Life of 
Christ." Tell about the scheme for daily study, plans for 
the harmony, map work, independent research, and other 
attractive elements in the course. 

Begin the Bible study class enrollment at the close of 
the meeting. Do n't let people get away from their newly- 
aroused convictions. 

Distribute the literature of the Bible study courses. 

Sample Programs for Rally-day. 
I. 

Song and prayer service, ten minutes. 
The leader speaks : "Why should I read and heed the 
Word?" 

Four brief addresses : "Bible study for my own 
good," "Bible study as an aid to personal work with the 
unsaved," "Bible study as related to the work of mis- 
sions," "The life of Christ the central point in Bible 
study." 

The Bible on Bible study : Selected references. 

Personal testimonies : "How I use my Bible," "How 
the Bible 'finds' me," "Bible study and the Morning 
Watch," "The things that hinder." 

Enrollment of the Bible study class. 

II. 

Song and prayer service. 

The leader speaks : "Bible study as an element in 
the Christian's self-respect." 

Brief addresses : "The direct value of Bible study," 
"The indirect gains of it," "Bible study for fellow-work- 
ers," "Where to begin." 

Personal testimonies: "The Morning Watch as a 
10 



146 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



help to Bible study," "What Bible study has meant to 
me," "The revelations that have rewarded my study." 

Address : "Let us begin a Bible study class in this 
Chapter this year." 

Enrollment of members and organization of the class. 

III. 

Song service. 

Brief prayers of thanksgiving for the Word, and of 
petition for help to use it more faithfully. 

Scripture lessons: Psa. cxixj 73-80; Phil, ii, 14-16. 

The leader speaks : "Why read the Word ?" 

A member speaks: "The spiritual value of God's 
Word." 

Another member speaks : "The demand of God's 
Word on your life." 

Some members testify : "How I read my Bible." 

Other members testify: "What my Bible means to 
me." 

Still others testify: "Things that hinder me in my 
use of the Bible." 

The leader speaks again. He recommends the Morn- 
ing Watch and the Bible study plans of the Epworth 
League. 

The meeting closes with the League Benediction, or 
the repeating in concert of Psa. cxix, 18: "Open Thou 
mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of 
Thy law." 

Some: Ral,l,y-day Questions. 

Why will the world never outgrow the Bible? 
W r hat is the Bible's chief value to the sinner? 
What are the advantages of daily Bible study? 
How shall those who find the Bible dull reading be 
helped to discover its charm? 



THE BOOK AND ITS STUDY. 



147 



Is "family worship" becoming less convenient? What 
will take its place if it is abandoned? 

How do you read your Bible — consecutively, topically, 
by books, by periods, according to the Sunday-school les- 
son? What advantages has your plan? 

Can one obey the Word without studying it? 

Can one study the Word without obeying it? 

What is the Bible to you ? 

Bible; Study Hymns. 

"O Word of God incarnate." 
"The heavens declare Thy glory, Lord." 
"How precious is the Book Divine." 
"Thy Word, Almighty Lord." 
"Father of mercies, in Thy Word." 
"Take time to be holy." 

"Thy Word, O Lord, Thy precious Word alone." 
"What glory gilds the sacred page !" 
"The spacious firmament on high." 
"Lamp of our feet, whereby we trace." 
"Lord of all power and might." 

Making a Harmony of the: Gospels. 

There will always be so large a number of Epworth- 
ians studying the four Gospels that simple directions for 
making a harmony are here given. 

There is great profit in making a "life of Christ" for 
one's self. The materials are abundant and easily found, 
and when carefully put together they constitute a "life" 
worth more than any one can possibly buy. Newspapers, 
magazines, Sunday-school journals, pamphlets, and les- 
son leaves are filled with facts, incidents, teachings, and 
descriptions concerning the career of our Lord. Maps 
and illustrations are also quite easily obtained from 



148 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



various sources, and can be worked in to complete and 
add value and interest to the work. Some things the 
maker will wish to put in can be found only in books too 
valuable to mutilate, and hence will have to be copied, 
but this will both increase labor and add value; besides, 
the wider the research in hunting materials and the 
greater the discrimination in their selection, the more 
you will learn of Him "who spake as never man spake," 
and that is the object of this pleasant task — to learn of 
Him. 

What is needed? First, a good scrap-book of gen- 
erous size. A convenient size is eleven by fifteen inches, 
strongly bound. An invoice book is admirably adapted 
for the work, or, better and cheaper, one may sometimes 
get a merchant tailor's sample book, which is just what is 
needed for this purpose. Another plan is to make the 
scrap-book out of manilla card stock, using the leaves 
loose in a stiff cover of suitable size or binding them in 
with strips of cotton neatly pasted to each leaf, which 
almost any one gifted with patience and ingenuity can 
easily do. A pot of good paste and a small flat paste- 
brush are all that is required in order to begin work on 
the collected material. 

Get two small Testaments, and cut out of them the 
story of the life of Christ as recorded in the four Gospels. 
Choosing the order indicated by some good "Harmony 
of the Gospels," paste the Bible text in four parallel 
columns on the pages of your scrapbook, in order. The 
first column is for the story as Matthew tells it, the 
second for Mark's account, the third for Luke's, and the 
fourth for John's. Of course, there will be many places 
where one, two, or three of the columns will be left blank, 
since the particular event or utterance may be recorded 
by all four evangelists or by one only. 



THE BOOK AND ITS STUDY. 



149 



Now, after a careful study of your "Harmony," 
lay off the rest of the scrap-book according to your 
best judgment, devoting so many pages to the introduc- 
tion, incidents preliminary to the birth of Christ ; birth, 
childhood, and youth ; early Judean ministry ; early Gali- 
lean ministry, etc. Do not miss any of the characters ; 
give them each their due proportion of space after a care- 
ful estimation of their place and value in the Gospel nar- 
rative. Keep Christ in the foreground. Put in the maps 
and illustrations in their proper places. Fill in the gaps 
with great care so as to bring every part in order. Know 
the reason for things as you proceed. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

WORLD EVANGELISM. 

The Department of World Evangelism is the out- 
come of the radical changes in the plan of the Epworth 
League work which were made by the Board of Control 
in May, 1903. It represents the conviction which has 
been growing for years that the Epworth League should 
be definitely committed to a world-wide outlook and a 
world-wide purpose in its work of training the young 
people of Methodism for their places of leadership in the 
Methodist Church that is to be. It is one sign that the 
Epworth League has "found itself." 

For years we have been training, organizing, inspiring 
our young people, getting them to march in step with one 
another, and securing the completest equipment in organi- 
zation and method. But now for the first time the 
Epworth League organization is in absolute harmony 
with the genius of Methodist Christianity, whose parish 
is the world, and whose concern for the souls of men 
knows no barriers of race or clime. 

The Department of World Evangelism is intended 
to educate the members of the Epworth League in all 
the methods and movements of an organized effort at 
evangelization which touches every land, — our own first, 
in order that from our own the power and blessing that 
we have received may flow to all the rest. This involves 
a study of the various benevolences of the Church, and 
a study of the work and worth of Christian missions. 

150 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



151 



Then the department aims to convince all of their re- 
lation to the work of world evangelism. This involves 
the teaching of the truths of Christian stewardship, and 
the insistent claim of all who have need, in whatever 
part of the world they may be found, upon all those who, 
by the grace of God, have those things which may supply 
the need. 

Having educated and convinced, the final great work 
of the department is to inspire all our members with a 
steady, unswerving, undiscourageable zeal for the work of 
world evangelism. The prayer cycles and missionary lit- 
erature are all bent to this end, that every Epworthian 
may be an eager, earnest, intelligent advocate of the 
work of bringing the knowledge of Christ to all the 
world in this generation. 

The committee assigned for this department should 
number not less than three, and may be as large as can 
be secured. Its members ought to be believers in the idea 
underlying the department, or at least they should be 
open-minded with regard to it, and willing to receive all 
possible light. The committee should be divided so as 
to provide for sub-committees to take charge of the vari- 
ous activities of the department. There should be, for 
example, a sub-committee to supervise each of the follow- 
ing forms of activities : the periodical missionary meet- 
ing, the special devotional topics on Christian philan- 
thropies, the mission study class, the missionary library, 
the distribution of missionary literature, the study of other 
benevolences, the advocacy and systematic study of Chris- 
tian stewardship. There is sufficient work here indicated 
to give each member of the committee a distinct and 
worthy task. There need be no drones in this section of 
the Epworth hive. 

The Department of World Evangelism will make 



152 EP WORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



special effort to magnify and emphasize the monthly de- 
votional meetings given to missions and other great be- 
nevolent and philanthropic work. The study classes will 
require its constant thought and care. It may make large 
use of a growing and valuable literature in every variety- 
of Christian service. It should stimulate an intelligent 
study of the benevolences. It is specially charged with 
the spreading of the Christian stewardship idea. It may 
plan and conduct missionary socials which should be 
something more than missionary in name. It can help 
in the Sunday-school monthly missionary meeting. It 
ought to introduce and popularize a definite cycle of 
prayer. It may make a collection of maps, charts, and 
other missionary material, which will be found exceed- 
ingly useful for display at special meetings. 

The Timeliness oe Mission Study. 

The Epworth League is now a great school for in- 
struction in missions. It is becoming, and will become 
increasingly, a field from which missionary recruits may 
be secured. The most important duty of the Department 
cf World Evangelism is to see that the work of missionary 
teaching is begun and sustained, no matter what else may 
be allowed to languish. The reasons for mission study 
are simple and yet convincing. 

Missions are a necessary part of full Christian living. 
There can be no permanent or productive missionary 
sentiment without intelligent ideas on missionary subjects. 
Foreign missions, with their vast and increasing demands 
for support, can not be kept going by semi-occasional 
rhetoric and emotion. Without the missionary idea of 
Christianity a healthy faith is impossible. Missionary in- 
terest is a real and large enrichment of the Christian life. 
We are debtors to the missionary idea for much of our 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



153 



opportunity of service. Missions furnish the missing 
link in the chain of Christian work. Nothing but a 
knowledge of the need of the world can furnish sufficient 
incentive to the fullest dedication of one's powers to the 
work of saving the world. 

There is a great and adequate literature of missions. 
There are men and women who have first-hand knowl- 
edge, both of the mission fields and of the resources of 
the Church. Their knowledge is now within reach. We 
have a newly increased interest in the subject of missions. 
It has come to the point of strategic importance in the 
forward movement of Christendom. It has political and 
social and commercial bearing on the life of our own 
land. There is no part of the work of the Church of 
Jesus Christ more worthy of study than the missionary 
enterprise. 

Why Study Missions? 

Because the missionary enterprise is the chief busi- 
ness of the Church. It is not merely incidental. It is not 
simply an outlet for the Church's surplus energy and 
cash. It is not a hobby, to be ridden by impracticable 
enthusiasts. It is the Church's business. For this the 
Church exists; to make missionaries, to send them, to 
support them, to re-enforce them. If the assertion of this 
paragraph is doubted, test it by asking and answering this 
question: "If the missionary enterprise is not the 
Church's chief business, what is?" 

Because knowledge of the missionary enterprise alone 
makes possible its proper support. It is not now properly 
supported. The Church is paying dollars for its pleas- 
ures, and dimes for its business. A Church which spends 
$10,000 a year on all its activities thinks it does well if 
it spends $1,000 of the total on Gospel-extension work. 



i 5 4 EP WORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 

And yet Gospel extension is the Church's business. 
Spasmodic spurts in giving may occur under the stimu- 
lus of overwrought appeals and unfounded prophecies 
of tremendous movements soon to begin. But such stimu- 
lus is soon exhausted, and things are worse than before. 
If we knew enough of the real situation to give intelli- 
gently, we should give more, and not grow weary of 
giving. 

Because without mission study we can not under- 
stand the missionary problem. It is the Church's greatest 
problem, because it is both the most important and the 
most difficult of all her tasks. The "open door" is really 
open, but it opens on opportunity and toil, not on a ready- 
made harvest. Missionary work is necessarily slow, even 
under the best conditions. Hereditary instincts and an- 
cient civilizations are not transformed in a day. There 
are instances in every mission field of faithful work for 
years without a single convert to show for it. The 
Christian at home is not likely to be patient, unless he 
understands how great a task his brethren in mission 
fields have set before them. 

Because without mission study it is not easy to be- 
lieve in missions at all. "Let every people have its own 
religion. It may not suit us, but it suits them. Why 
disturb them?" That is the argument of the uninformed 
and the unchristian. The national or racial religions 
have failed. Their excellencies have been corrupted, and 
some of them have their very origin in vileness. But 
much of heathenism is fair on the surface. At a dis- 
tance it seems all that is beautiful and good. It must be 
studied as it is, and not as it seems, if missionary work 
is to be sustained. For only such study will reveal 
the need of Christ, which is the greatest need of every land 
of darkness and the shadow of death. 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



155 



Because the missionary enterprise of to-morrow will 
fail without missionary intelligence. If the problem is 
great to-day, it is going to be vastly greater to-morrow. 
Every new advance is a new problem, a new demand on 
the home Church, a new challenge to Christian faith 
and courage. The widening borders can not be manned 
with the resources at present available. There must be 
a new measure of advance in the provision of missionaries 
and money. The rate of increase is itself increasing. 
What the Church has done thus far is small compared 
to what she must do, if her very victories are not to 
be the occasion of her failure. But how can these 
things be believed, while Christians are unintelligent on 
the subject of mission work? 

Because the advance of to-morrow, at home or abroad, 
depends upon to-day's young people. The number of 
overworked and wearied veterans in the field is greater 
than we imagine. Every mission field needs new blood, 
needs fresh, vigorous, strong young workers. They must 
come from the young people's societies, from the colleges 
and high schools of to-day. On the other hand, there 
is a generation of givers to missions which has about 
given all it can. Its earning capacity is smaller than 
it used to be. The young people who are coming to 
self-support, to the places of profitable work, must re- 
plenish the treasury. And, because of the enlarging field, 
they must have a new standard of giving. But all this 
will be realized only through a real understanding of the 
whole subject. All that means mission study. 

Who Should Study Missions? 

The President of every Epworth League Chapter. 
"How shall they follow if they have no leader?" 

The Second Vice-President of every Epworth League 



156 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Chapter. An official who directs the activities, varied and 
important, of the missionary department, must be, as a 
matter of necessity, a student of missions. 

The Mission Study Committee of the Second Depart- 
ment. Its members would otherwise be mere functionaries, 
animated, but not animating, guideposts, pointing the way 
without walking it. 

The members who believe in missions. Their faith 
needs to be strengthened, their knowledge needs to be 
augmented, their vision needs to be widened. They will 
be glad to study missions. 

The members who do not believe in missions. It is 
a reflection on their religion to suppose that they are 
intelligently opposed to missions. But it is a reflection 
on their self-respect to suppose that they are willfully 
ignorant of the missionary movement. Make a covenant 
with them. When they ask, "What is the use of mission 
study ?" say to them, "Come and see." 

The members who are indifferent to missions. These 
are 'the hardest to convince, for the inertia of indifference 
is something appalling. But they are the people who 
must be reached. The advance of the whole missionary 
line is delayed, not by opposition, but by unconcern. 

-How to Study Missions. 

Connectedly. — The intelligent way. 
Concertedly. — The inspirational way. 
Concernedly. — The sympathetic way. 
Continuously. — The persistent way. 
Consistently. — The sincere way. 
Concretely. — The practical way. 
Conscientiously. — The responsible way. 
Connectionally. — The mission study class way. 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



157 



The Advantages of a Study Class. 

No one can study such a subject as Well by himself 
as in a class. The class gives touch of mind with mind. 
It furnishes new points of view. It makes each member 
a helper of the others. 

Experts in research work can do their best work alone, 
but a mission study class is not for experts. 

Mass-meetings are not the solution of the mission 
study problem. They have very great excellencies, but, 
unless balanced by intelligent study, they give distorted 
and fragmentary views of missionary work. 

A missionary reading circle may be interesting, but 
it does not set its members at work. It is "too optional." 

The study class is responsible for the large gain in 
mission study which has been secured in the past few 
years. It furnishes orderly and systematic plans, taking 
up definite subjects, on which the members can make 
personal preparation. 

The study class stimulates a taste for a higher grade 
of missionary reading. The missionary libraries, which 
have had so phenomenal a sale, have been purchased and 
read by Chapters which have had mission study classes. 
These books, in many cases, have been the foundation 
of extensive collections of missionary literature. 

Mission Study Rally-day. 

Every fall a Sunday is designated as mission study 
Rally-day. On this day the devotional meeting topic 
is a missionary one, and the entire conduct of the meeting 
should be in charge of the Department of World Evan- 
gelism. 

The chief purpose of the day is twofold, to centralize 
thought and interest on the general theme, and to make 



i 5 8 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



possible the organization of one or more successful study 
classes. In accomplishing these two results, the material 
and suggestions of this section should be freely used. 

The member designated to conduct the work of mis- 
sion study should have mastered the text-book before 
Rally-day, at least sufficiently to be able to give an in- 
telligent and interesting outline of the work it offers. 

It is a fine opportunity for the presentation of facts, 
plans, and figures, showing what can be done in mis- 
sionary work by the local Chapter. 

Rally-day Suggestions. 

The program suggested below may be modified to 
suit special plans, but it should have substantially the same 
themes. 

Sing missionary hymns. Do n't stop with "Green- 
land's icy mountains." Be sure to sing "The Son of God 
goes forth to war," and "O Zion, haste." 

Insist on the interest to be found in mission study. 
Prove it, by examples from personal experience. 

Set forth in some graphic way "What our Church is 
doing to-day." 

Emphasize the fact that mWon study is a tracing of 
the journeys of our Lord among the nations as truly as 
a study of the Gospels is a tracing of His going up and 
down the Holy Land. 

If the Chapter possesses either of the missionary li- 
braries, let the books be prominently displayed, and invite 
inspection of them before and after the service. 

If possible, display at the meeting a large map of 
the field for the year's study. The best is a home-made 
map, with bold outlines and but little lettering or other 
detail. 

A preliminary canvass should be made before the 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



159 



meeting, so that several members may be ready, at the 
first call of the leader, to state "why I am willing to join 
the class." 

The general invitation may be made more direct if, 
during the meeting, enrollment cards are passed around 
among the members. 

Do not be satisfied with the enrollment at this meet- 
ing. Let the Second Department make a personal canvass 
for members of the study class. 

Begin the class work at once. If only six or eight 
are enrolled, never mind. That is 'enough for a begin- 
ning. The main thing is to begin. 

If possible, the leader of the class should be selected 
beforehand. Then, while interest on the subject is still 
fresh, the class organization may be completed at the 
close of the meeting, and the time and place of the first 
class hour fixed. 

Suggested Programs. 
I. 

Selected missionary hymns. 

Scripture lessons. (Isa. Hi, 7-10; Rom. x, 11-15.) 
Brief comment on the missionary application of this Scrip- 
ture by the reader. 

Prayers. For willingness to know more about mis- 
sions ; that God, through the League Chapters, will raise 
up an intelligent, eager, praying, missionary Church. 

Three-minute talks on mission study. The why of 
it, the how of it, the when of it, the who of it, and the 
what of it. 

One-minute testimonies on the gains of mission study, 
from members of former years' classes, or others who 
know. 

Prayers. For the carrying of the Gospel to every 



i6o EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



part of the mission field ; for the field itself, that God 
will keep open the doors of opportunity until His Church 
shall arouse and enter in; that God may overrule all 
political and social changes in the mission field, that they 
may minister to the furtherance of the Gospel ; for all 
who are now at work in mission lands. 

Invitation to join the study class. 

Announcement of time and place of the class. 

Benediction. "And He shall speak peace unto the 
heathen ; and His dominion shall be from sea even to sea, 
and from the river even to the ends of the earth." 
(Zech. ix, 10.) 

II. 

Missionary song service. 

Scripture lessons. (Psa. lxxii, 8-1 1; Zech. viii, 
20-23.) 

A prayer service ; thanksgiving for the missions of 
the past, of which we are beneficiaries ; prayer for will- 
ingness to learn of the missions of the present; inter- 
cession for missions and missionaries; pledge to do our 
part in making the Church of to-morrow a more intelli- 
gent missionary Church. 

"Reasons for missionary interest," discussed by the 
leader in his introductory talk. 

The argument for mission study. Two-minute talks 
by six members on the reasons given under "Why study 
missions ?" 

"The advantages of a study class," discussed by a 
member of last year's class, or by the organizer of the 
class to be enrolled at this meeting. 

"Why I am willing to join the class." One-minute 
reasons given by those who have already decided. 

A general invitation to enroll in the class. 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



161 



Preliminary announcement of time and place of meet- 
ing. 

Organizing the Mission Study Class. 

In selecting a leader for the mission study class it is 
better to find one with ability to teach, or at least to in- 
terest, rather than one who may have much technical 
knowledge but little concern on the subject. Every mem- 
ber should have a text-book. Keep the religious signifi- 
cance of the work in mind. Study to be centers of 
missionary enthusiasm and knowledge. Let there be con- 
stant effort to emphasize the attractiveness of the mis- 
sionary theme and the records of missionary achievement. 
Avoid the use of refreshments. They soon become too 
great a tax on the resources of the class, or of those 
who open their homes to it, and they easily distract the 
attention and interest from the real purpose of the class. 

A certain amount of difficulty will be encountered in 
organizing a mission study class. In the first place, it 
may be difficult to secure members. This may be over- 
come by personal effort If. after all has been done, 
only a few people can be interested, never mind. Be 
content with a few. In the second place, early in the 
career of the class it will be discovered that some mem- 
bers are unprepared. This may be forestalled by an 
agreement beforehand to spend a certain amount of time 
each week in the reading of the text-book. Let it be 
understood in advance that a mission study class means 
work. A third difficulty likely to arise is a decline of 
interest in the class. If this comes from ignorance, take 
great pains to enlighten. If it comes from some failure 
to interest members in the work of the class, strengthen 
that weak place. Go slow with the work, and give every 
opportunity for members to take notes and in other ways 
ii 



162 , EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



to put forth personal effort during the sessions of the 
class. 

Experience shows that the study class is more suc- 
cessful when a separate session is devoted to it. Com- 
bination with other meetings is usually disastrous. Weekly 
sessions are more desirable than semi-monthly or monthly 
sessions. No more time is consumed by eight meetings 
in consecutive weeks than in consecutive months. Select 
a certain evening for the study class, and hold the ses- 
sion on that evening, unless a postponement is absolutely 
necessary. It is advisable that a permanent meeting 
place be selected for the class. Many classes have found 
it best to meet in a private home. 

Hints for the: Leader. 

Prayer. Throughout the class hour there should be 
constant recourse to prayer. Let the leader call for 
prayers at intervals, as the nature of the study may per- 
mit. The devotional spirit should be cultivated carefully, 
guarding against any suggestion of mock piety. Any 
methods, even though used by the most skillful leader, 
will fail to yield results unless they are accompanied by 
the power that God alone can supply. The daily prayer 
life of the members should also be stimulated. It would 
be helpful for each member of the class to prepare a 
prayer list for personal use, adding from time to time 
the names of missionaries whom he may know or of 
whom he may learn in his reading. 

Special Topics. — The maintenance of the interest will 
depend largely on the leader's ingenuity and success in 
getting the members of the class to help in providing 
items of special interest. This will require considerable 
outside reading in preparation for reporting on particular 
topics, but such effort will be fully justified by the results 
attained. 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



163 



Avoid dry essays. It is better to have a bright, in- 
teresting story, read from a book, if necessary, than an 
original array of uninteresting material. It is also much 
better to have five three-minute papers on as many dif- 
ferent subjects than one fifteen-minute paper on a single 
subject. 

Questioning. — Success in leading a class depends 
largely upon the leader's ability to ask questions. Such 
ability can be gained by patient practice. It is well to 
write out beforehand the questions to be used. Enough 
questions should be asked to stimulate the members to 
careful preparation of the next lesson. 

Notebooks. — Each member should provide himself 
with a bound blankbook in which to keep full notes, 
copies of maps, charts, outlines, assigned work, and other 
items of use and interest. Notes are often more avail- 
able for future use if they are written on the margin of 
the text-book. 

Program for the Class Hour. — The program for the 
class hour will depend upon the leader, size and makeup 
of the class,. and time allotted. The leader should pre- 
pare a definite program and should reduce it to writ- 
ing, taking special care to set a time limit for each feature. 
Such a schedule will enable the leader to close the class 
on time without omitting any important feature of the 
lesson. In outlining the program it is well for the leader 
to read the lesson carefully and to determine upon the 
three or four outstanding points which should be espe- 
cially emphasized. These points will give the foundation 
upon which the structure is to be built. At the begin- 
ning of f he class hour, reference should be made to the 
last lesson by a few leading questions, and some time 
during the hour there should be a forecast of the next 
lesson, together with the assignment of topics. Prayer 



164 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



should be introduced at the beginning and at the end 
of the lesson, and at such other times in the hour as 
seem particularly fitting. 

- Many classes have testified that what they found most 
interesting and profitable in the sessions was the discus- 
sions of the assigned topics, while the least helpful feature 
was the listening to papers. This is a warning that not 
more than two papers should be read in a session of 
only an hour, and rarely more than three at any session. 

Accessories. — The Annual Report of the Missionary 
Society contains an accurate record of denominational 
activity. It will be helpful in furnishing material for 
special topics and discussions on current questions. It 
will be sent free upon application. The ''Handbook of 
the Missionary Society" (price, ten cents), published 
annually, is a condensation of the Annual Report, and 
contains other valuable information concerning the organ- 
ization and work of the Missionary Society, not found in 
the report. 

The printed reports of the Cleveland and Philadelphia 
Conventions will usually be found in the pastor's library, 
or they may be obtained of the Methodist Book Concern. 
They contain the best obtainable series of addresses on 
our Methodist missionary activities at home and abroad. 

The "Open Door" series of booklets is designed to 
give a condensed view of the great mission countries. 
Booklets on practically every mission field of the Meth- 
odist Church are now available. Price, ten cents each. 

Special leaflets on the missions of the various countries 
are published by the Rindge Literature Department of 
the Missionary Society. A catalogue of the publications 
of the Department will be sent upon application to the 
Secretaries, 150 Fifth Avenue, New York. 

The more prominent papers and magazines are con- 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



165 



stantly printing articles relating to mission fields which 
are of great value. Where public, college, or private 
libraries are accessible, an index of all articles relating 
to the country being studied might be prepared by some 
member of the class. The list will be very valuable in 
the assignment of topics. 

Libraries. — Special reference libraries will be found 
exceedingly helpful in mission study work. They are 
essential to a class that expects to do the most thorough 
type of work. In the outline helps which are furnished 
to the leader, suggested topics for papers will be found 
together with special reference to these libraries. But 
inability to secure the reference libraries should not dis- 
courage the organization of a class. Many classes have 
done excellent work without such help. 

It will add to the interest if the members will make 
a scrapbook of current news from mission fields, report- 
ing each week on the main points. The Church papers 
are full of such material, and helpful articles will often 
be found in the secular press. 

A good map is indispensable for even a brief study 
of any country. An excellent map will bg found in each 
of the text-books. A large wall map of most countries 
can often be obtained from a local book-store or borrowed 
from the public schools. 

Outline maps of China, Japan and Korea, India, and 
Africa, printed on paper, have been prepared for the use 
of mission study classes. These outline maps may be 
obtained for fifteen cents each, or forty cents for the 
set of four. 

A missionary map of the world will also be very 
helpful. Such a map is available ; price, three dollars. 
In size it is six by twelve feet. The map is printed on 



166 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



good muslin, and is in seven colors, showing the prevail- 
ing religions of the world. 

The Blackboard. — A large blackboard should be at 
hand and freely used at each session of the class. It 
will be needed for temporary work ; such as rough maps, 
charts, and other illustrations, as well as for outlines. 

More important than the blackboard is a supply of 
large sheets of paper and some colored crayons. The 
more important maps, charts, and illustrations should be 
placed on these sheets of paper, or upon cloth, thus 
enabling the leader to use a number of maps or illustra- 
tions the same evening, or the same map on succeeding 
evenings. Large sheets of paper suitable for this work 
may be secured at a nominal cost of almost any printer. 
If bound together they will give a permanent value to 
the material placed upon them. 

It is often a hindrance to the leader to be obliged 
to do much writing on a blackboard during the class hour. 
There are two ways of avoiding it. 

Have the writing placed on the board beforehand. 

Have all arranged on paper as desired ; then ask some 
member to put ■ it on the board step by step as the lesson 
is developed. It would give more variety if the leader 
were to ask a different individual each time. 

It will be very effective to have made in motto form 
some of the striking words of missionaries and mis- 
, sionary workers ; and to place them on the wall of the 
study class room. 

The United Study Pictures, twenty-five cents a set, 
are very helpful in illustrating the studies in India, China, 
and Japan. 

The stereopticon and the stereoscope offer an oppor- 
tunity of genuine enjoyment and real profit in the expe- 
rience of seeing the mission lands while seated in the 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



167 



class or lecture room. For a profitable social entertain- 
ment the stereoscope can hardly be excelled, while the 
stereopticon will be found of great value in public meet- 
ings. 

Appoint a number of members to be ready to give 
at next week's meeting, as part of the review, the salient 
points of last week's special papers. 

Assign from each week's study a certain number of 
pages each to two or more individuals. Ask each to pre- 
pare a few questions covering the most important points 
on the pages allotted, and be ready to conduct the review 
of these pages at the next session. 

Dictate a question for discussion, and ask all to come 
prepared to join in this discussion. 

Ask every member to bring in at the next session 
cne question involving information not in the text-book, 
but found in one of the reference books. 

Notify the class that at the next meeting you will 
call for the recitation of some appropriate Bible selec- 
tion, important quotations in the text-book, or a suitable 
stanza of poetry. 

Ask the class to come prepared to suggest some 
hymns or Scripture references especially applicable to the 
thought of the evening. 

Assign beforehand verses of Scripture in sequence, 
a verse to each member. Ask each one to memorize his 
verse and to recite in order as numbered for the opening 
Bible reading at the next meeting of the class. 

Ask the class, in response to the roll-call, to give 
some motto or striking saying in the lesson for that 
evening. Occasionally let the responses be in the form of 
current missionary items. 

Print in large letters the title of the lesson or some 
pertinent motto, and hang on the wall in front of the 
room. 



168 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Encourage the members to use the information which 
they have gained during the lesson at their next young- 
people's devotional meeting. 

Have a missionary debate on a carefully chosen ques- 
tion. 

Keep the maps, posters, mottoes, and other illustra- 
tions and material until the close of the course for an 
exhibit. 

Correspondence. — Unless otherwise specified, all cor- 
respondence concerning matters relating to mission study 
should be addressed to the Young People's Department 
of the Missionary Society, 150 Fifth Avenue, New York 
City. 

The Missionary Devotional Meeting. 

The frequent missionary meeting at the time of the 
regular devotional service calls for unusually careful 
preparation. If definite planning is neglected the meet- 
ing will be dull, dry, and dead. In the missionary meet- 
ing voluntary and extemporary participation will be more 
difficult to secure than in any other meeting, hence all 
those who can be enlisted should be instructed before- 
hand in the parts they are to take. Begin the prepara- 
tion two, three, or four weeks ahead. For the most 
part insist that the members of the Chapter shall provide 
the program. Do not depend too much upon outsiders. 
Put the responsibility where it belongs — upon the home 
Chapter and its members. 

The music of a, missionary meeting is an essential 
element in its success. Some people think that when they 
have sung "From Greenland's icy mountains," they have 
given all the missionary flavor to the music that is 
necessary. But there are other missionary hymns — ■' 
really great ones — and a little search for them before 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 169 

the meeting will be amply rewarded in increased interest 
and enjoyment. 

Be sparing of essays and readings. If it seems to be 
best to have some participants read either original or 
selected material, be sure that the matter is brief and 
bright, and pertinent to the theme of the meeting. 

Use maps and charts freely. If you can not find such 
material of this sort as you need, there is large room 
for home-made maps and charts. These need not be 
elaborate, and excellence of workmanship is not absolutely 
necessary. The main thing is that they shall be perfectly 
legible and tell their story briefly and graphically. 

Much may be made of the use in public of letters 
from the mission field. These can be very helpful in a 
missionary meeting, provided they are not too long and 
that they are well read. It might seem superfluous to 
suggest that whoever reads a letter from the field in 
public should first read it over carefully in private. 
Missionary handwriting is no better than the handwriting 
of any other busy people, and some of it can not be 
effectively read at first sight. 

These missionary letters will be of more interest if 
the Chapter is using the Station Plan, and the cor- 
respondence comes from the field where the Chapter's con- 
tributions are being applied. It furnishes the nearest ap- 
proach to a living link between the home and the foreign 
field that can be devised. This will also make the letter 
more interesting to the writer, since he will feel that he 
is writing to people who are directly concerned in his 
work, and the letter which interests the writer is for 
that very reason more likely to interest the recipients. 

Chapters which are so situated as to be able to se- 
cure a stereopticon may provide an occasionally welcome 
variety by utilizing that implement. The Christian Lan- 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



tern Slide and Lecture Bureau, of Ludington, Mich., 
lias what is no doubt the finest collection of missionary 
slides in the country, and these will be furnished to any 
Chapter desiring to use them at very reasonable rates. 

Another means of occasional interest is the use of 
curios and other articles from the missionary field. It 
is often possible to secure a really interesting collection 
of such articles, and, if they are not made the main 
object of interest, but are used to illustrate and make 
vivid the theme of the meeting, they will be of very 
great help. But it should be remembered that the curios 
are merely a means to an end, and that the meeting is 
not an exhibition of missionary bric-a-brac. 

It will be well to hold a missionary meeting occa- 
sionally in which the details of the organization and 
management of Methodist missions shall be given. The 
Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
is a great and wonderful organization. It supervises the 
contributions of $1,500,000 a year, and the activities of 
five hundred missionaries. Its work is too little known. 
A free use of the Society's annual reports and of the 
admirable tracts and leaflets which it is now furnishing 
will make possible a most interesting and informing mis- 
sionary meeting. 

One missionary meeting which should certainly be 
held in every Chapter of the Epworth League is a survey 
of the Methodist mission field. The Missionary Society 
publishes a series of maps covering this field, and the 
annual report will furnish the statistics. Each great 
division of the field should be assigned to one member 
of the Chapter, who will give briefly a sort of survey 
of the work, its workers, its methods, and its history. 

Another most interesting missionary meeting may be 
arranged with stories from the annals of missions. No 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 171 

chapter of the Church's history contains more heroic, 
thrilling, and pathetic incidents than the story of modern 
missions. In using this material one word of caution must 
be spoken. Bo not permit any one to read the stories 
selected. Let them be memorized, as to their main facts, 
before the meeting, and then told in simple, natural lan- 
guage. 

A series of missionary debates can be made both inter- 
esting and profitable. A few subjects suggest themselves 
at once : The question of the value of modern missions ; 
the comparative value of married or unmarried persons 
as missionaries ; the question as to how far missionaries 
should be engaged in the work of secular education ; 
and the question whether missionaries should receive a 
regular salary or merely the promise of support, — that 
is to say, should missionaries be supported like ministers 
in the home field, or like deaconesses? Many other 
questions for debate will be suggested as one reads the 
missionary literature found in our Church periodicals 
and elsewhere. Indeed, almost any missionary topic may 
be transformed into a debatable proposition by putting 
it into the form of a question. For example : the topic, 
"Educational Work in the Mission Field,'' stated thus, 
"Should missionaries provide instruction in secular 
branches?" becomes a first-class subject for debate. 

"Are the native converts loyal?" The records of mis- 
sionary work are full of stirring incidents which answer 
"yes" to this question. A search through the missionary 
libraries will provide more material than can possibly be 
used in one evening. 

"The rewards of faith" is a suggestive theme. The 
first converts in many of our mission fields were not 
secured until years of patient labor had passed, apparently 
without result. Gather up the story of a few such cases, 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



notably the first Chinese convert, the first Hindu convert, 
and the first years of work in Japan. 

A "report" meeting may be filled with interest. The 
annual report of the Missionary Society is issued early 
in each year. Get it as soon as possible, and use the 
material it contains to show the progress of the work in 
the past year. The report always contains abundant 
illustrative material, direct from the field. 

Charts are easily made, and are very effective. A list 
of subjects for charts is given elsewhere. Ask each 
person enlisted for the "Chart Evening" to prepare a 
simple drawing which shall illustrate some important 
missionary truth. If the charts can be drawn in sight 
of the audience the effect will be all the better. 

A cheap and effective way of adding to the interest 
by means of maps is open to any one who can get the 
use of a hectograph or a mimeograph. The map may 
be traced from a good atlas, and as many copies printed 
as may be needed. If the map is a simple outline, so 
much the better, since then the class members may fill 
in the outline as the study progresses. 

Hints for Missionary Meetings. 

Book Reviews. — At each meeting provide for a brief 
review of one of the books in the Chapter's missionary 
library, preferably one which bears on the theme of the 
meeting. This will increase the interest in the library, 
and get its books into circulation. 

The Missionary Physician. — Let this meeting be as 
complete a presentation of the subject of medical missions 
as can be made. The history of medical missions is 
full of interesting and convincing stories concerning the 
great value of this form of missionary activity. 

A Question Bee. — Start a missionary question box. 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



173 



Let the questions be handed in at some time previous 
to the date of the meeting, so that preparation for answer- 
ing them may be made. The wider the range of questions 
the more interesting the meeting will be. 

Missionary Hindrances. — There are three great ob- 
stacles to the progress of missions — rum, opium, and 
slavery. These may be vividly presented by means of 
the material available in every collection of missionary 
literature. 

Studies of Great Missionaries. — The missionary li- 
braries offer material sufficient for most interesting 
studies of typical missionary leaders. A few of these 
are named here. The list, of course, may be greatly ex- 
tended. William Butler, Egerton Ryerson Young, Ver- 
beck of Japan, Bishop Thoburn, Mackay of Uganda, 
David Livingstone, William Carey, Gilmore of Mongolia, 
John G. Paton, William Taylor, Isabella Thoburn, 
Adoniram Judson, Joseph C. Hartzell. 

The Profits of Missions. — A most striking exhibit 
of the gain of missions may be made, dividing the subject 
into these parts : The commercial gains, the geographical 
gains, the scientific gains, the gains of civilization in 
general, the spiritual gains. 

Missions in Song. — A song service in which the great 
missionary hymns are used will be a decided success if 
properly managed. It will be a revelation to a great 
many people that we have not exhausted the list of 
missionary hymns when we have sung "From Green- 
land's icy mountains" and "The morning light is break- 
ing." The following hymns are available for such a 
service, many of the best of them being found in the 1905 
edition of the Methodist Hymnal : 

"Onward, Christian soldiers." 

"On the mountain's top appearing." 



174 EP WORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



"Savior, sprinkle many nations." 

"Christ for the world we sing." 

"Speed Thy servants, Saviour, speed them." 

"From Greenland's icy mountains." 

"Fling out the banner, let it float." 

"Forward be our watchword." 

"Jesus shall reign where'er the sun." 

"The morning light is breaking." 

"All people that on earth do dwell." 

"O, Master, let me walk with Thee." 

"Jesus calls us o'er the tumult." 

"We give Thee but Thine own." 

"Before Jehovah's awful throne." 

"The Son of God goes forth to war." 

"O, where are kings and empires now." 

"Glorious things of Thee are spoken." 

"Lift up your heads, ye gates of brass." 

"Ye Christian heralds, go proclaim." 

"Hail to the Lord's anointed." 

"The whole wide world for Jesus." 

"The Church's one foundation." 

"Eternal Father, Thou hast said." 

"All hail the power of Jesus' name." 

"Thou whose almighty word." 

"Soon may the last glad song arise." 

"Tell it out among the heathen that the Lord is King." 

"Watchman, tell us of the night." 

"See how great a flame aspires." 

"Hark! the song of jubilee." 

"Kingdom of light! whose morning-star." 

"O, Zion haste, Thy mission high fulfilling." 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



175 



Some Sample Programs. 

The Methodist Fields. — Ask eight members to repre- 
sent the various mission fields, assigning one to each. 
Let each speaker put the case as a native Christian of 
the country he represents would put it. The extent of 
the field, the number of workers, the forms of the work, 
the successes attained, and the unsatisfied needs that press 
on every hand should be the main points emphasized. 
The more the speaker identifies himself with the people 
for whom he speaks the better. The speeches must be 
short, of course. 

Perhaps there will be an opportunity to push the 
Station Plan, as the most practical way for everybody 
tc help answer the "Macedonian call.'-' Write to The 
Station Plan Office, 150 Fifth Avenue, Xew York City, 
for particulars of the plan and ways of working it. 

Four excellent methods of conducting this meeting are 
given below. 

The map method. Get a map of the world big enough 
to be seen from all parts of the room. Mark on it, or 
otherwise indicate, the location of the great mission fields 
of the Church. With pointer in hand, some one will give 
briefly the outstanding facts concerning each field. 

The "advocate" method. Appoint members as "advo- 
cates'" of the various fields. Ask each one to make a 
two or three-minute plea for the people whom he repre- 
sents, stating their condition, their needs, their desire for 
the Gospel, and other pertinent facts. 

The chart method. Prepare charts which will show 
the area of each field, its population, number of communi- 
cants, number of workers, amount spent for the work, 
number of converts last year. Use your own Conference 
as a basis of comparison. For example, a certain Con- 



176 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



ference has an area of 13,000 square miles. Korea has 
84,424 square miles. If a black line two inches long 
represents the Conference area, a line nearly fourteen 
inches long will represent Korea. Apply this method to 
the other details. 

The personal method. After one or more of the fore- 
going methods have been used, let three or four be ready 
to answer this question : "In the light of the Great Com- 
mission, and of the opportunities available on every hand, 
what is my duty?" Then throw the question open for 
voluntary answers. 

Abundant material for this meeting may be found in 
World-Wide Missions, the report of the Missionary So- 
ciety, and in leaflets and other literature published by 
the society. 

An "Africa" Evening. — Use a map of Arica. If 
you can not otherwise get one large enough, make one. 
The Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, has prepared one 
which is admirable for such a meeting. 

Africa is the continent of the Sphinx, and the sphinx 
of the continents. We know, within certain limits, what 
the other continents can promise in the coming years, 
but who is rash enough to forecast Africa's future? 

It was the Dark Continent, but light is entering at 
every point. Wars have desolated it in almost every 
mile of its vast extent, but there is now bright prospect of 
lasting peace. It has been the scene of the unimagined 
horrors of the slave-trade, but that ghastly traffic has 
almost wholly disappeared. 

It is a land where Methodism has spent largely of its 
treasure in men and money. We have holy ground on 
the margin of both oceans, hallowed by the dust of our 
martyr missionaries. Our Methodism's first foreign mis- 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



177 



sionary, Melville Cox, was sent to Africa, and laid down 
his life for her people's sake. Our investment in African 
evangelization is large enough to justify our study of 
what it has cost Christendom to carry the Gospel there — 
to learn what is the "price of Africa.'' 

The various stations where our work ■ is maintained 
should be indicated on the map — Liberia, East Africa, 
West Africa, and the Madeira Islands. Bishop Hartzell's 
reports to the General Conferences have been printed in 
several of the Advocates. They have a large amount of 
good material for this meeting. 

"The Price of Africa," and "Daybreak in the Dark 
Continent," two of the missionary text-books, will be 
found of great value in preparing for this topic. They 
state in the most convincing form the problem of Africa's 
redemption and the progress that has been made. 

Let each participant study carefully the subject as- 
signed, and master it. Then there will be no difficulty 
in interesting those members who grow restless and 
fidgety when clippings are read. 

An Outline Program on Africa. — 

The leader speaks: "The redemption of Africa.' , 

Papers : "Livingstone, the missionary explorer." 
"Cox, the pioneer Methodist missionary.'' 

Papers: "Mackay, the apostle of Uganda;" "Good, 
the hero of the West Coast." 

Brief address : "The message of these lives to this 
company of Christians." 

Prayers for the missionaries in Africa, for more mis- 
sionaries, for more money, for increased missionary con- 
cern in our own lives, for a great outpouring of the Spirit 
in Africa. 

Call for members to form Mission- Study class. 
12 



178 EP WORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Themes for a Home Missionary Program, — The his- 
tory of home missions in your community. 

The relation of home-mission work to the Methodist 
college or academy nearest you. 

The relation of home missions to the carrying of the 
Gospel to foreign lands. 

The contributions of home missions to the moral and 
intellectual life of your section of the country. 

Great home missionaries in your immediate neighbor- 
hood. 

Your Chapter's interest in city evangelism. 

The drift of young people to the great centers of 
population. 

Foreign missions in American cities. 

How city evangelization may spread the Gospel in 
lands across the sea. 

Foreign Missions in the United States. — Ask the ques- 
tion "What can we do?" and get several members to 
explain such possibilities as these : 

We can pray for our foreign-born neighbors. 

We can, in many eases, become foreign missionaries 
without going out of our own street. 

We can take more interest in our foreign-born fellow- 
citizens. 

We can support the three great institutions — the home, 
the Church, the school — which make America a refuge 
for the oppressed of all lands. 

We can discourage ignorance, lack of patriotism, and 
unbelief. 

We can give. Nearly half of every missionary dollar 
is spent on home missions. 

A good way to utilize the opportunity offered by 
this subject is to make the meeting educational. Use 
facts and figures concerning our foreign population, and 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



179 



discuss the best means of transforming irreligious aliens 
into Christian citizens. 

Two members may discuss the question, "Is the immi- 
gration of to-day a blessing or a danger?" Select for 
one speaker a member who believes that the present im- 
migration is a danger to the country, and for the other 
one who believes it is a blessing. 

Ten minutes may be profitably spent in a rapid review 
of what is being done to reach and help our foreign 
population. 

Ask a good reader to recite Thomas Bailey Aldrich's 
poem, "Unguarded Gates." 

Women's Work in the Mission Field. — The great pur- 
pose of this meeting is to develop intelligent interest in 
work among the women of mission lands. 

Write to the nearest depot of supplies of the Woman's 
Foreign Missionary Society for a package of literature. 
Twenty-five cents will secure a rich variety of fresh and 
helpful leaflets. The various branches maintain supply 
depots as follows: 36 Bromfield Street, Boston; 150 
Fifth Avenue, New York; 1018 Arch Street, Philadel- 
phia ; 427 N. Cary Street, Baltimore, Md. ; 220 West 
Fourth Street, Cincinnati, O. ; 57 Washington Street, 
Chicago; Maryville, Mo. ; 3031 First Avenue, Minneapo- 
lis, Minn.; 1303 T Street, Lincoln, Neb; 454 E. Twenty- 
third Street, Los Angeles, Cal. ; 231 W. Park Street, 
Portland, Ore. 

Among the many suggestive themes available are : 

"Women under other religions." 

"Christ and women." 

"The helplessness of heathen women." 

"The ministry of woman." 

"Medical missions." 

"What Christianity has done for women." 



iSo EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Medical Missions. — Abundant material for this meet- 
ing may be found in "The Healing of the Nations," 
"Life of John Kenneth Mackenzie,*' "World Wide Evan- 
gelization," "Within the Purdah," "Opportunities in the 
Path of the Great Physician," and "Personal Life of 
David Livingstone." These books are all in the mis- 
sionary libraries. 

Ask a Christian physician to speak on the medical 
mission work, from the sociological and humanitarian 
point of view. 

Arrange for bright papers on such subjects as these : 
"Reasons for medical missions." 
"The medical missionary as a pioneer." 
"The association of medicine and religion." 
"The evangelistic value of medical missions." 
"Medical missions as an aid to evangelizing the 

women of mission lands." 
"Medical missions as a stimulus to giving." 
"The qualifications of a medical missionary." 
"Notable deeds of medical missionaries." 
Prepare small red-cross flags and when any place is 
mentioned in connection with medical mission work, pin 
a flag on the map over that spot. Call for answers to 
these questions : 

How are some heathen religions causes of disease? 
Why is Christianity specially concerned with the cure 
of disease? 

What is the chief purpose of the medical missionary? 
In what ways does the missionary physician help the 
preacher ? 

How do medical missions help Christians to greater 
missionary interest ? 

Have a discussion on the question : Would the effort 
and money spent in medical missions bring greater re- 
sults if used in direct evangelistic work? 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



181 



The Gospel in the Islands— Get as large a map of 
the world as can be found, preferably one on Mercator's 
projection (the "flat" map), though the ordinary map 
with the two hemispheres will serve fairly well. 

Call attention to the islands notable in the history 
of mission work, and to those where work is now most 
needed. Locate by stars, or little flags, the most promi- 
nent groups, for example, the Fiji Islands, the Philip- 
pines, Madagascar, the East Indies, the West Indies, the 
Madeira Islands, Ceylon, Formosa, and others that may 
be suggested. The indicators may be of different colors 
to represent religious conditions ; black for heathen, 
white for Protestant, red for Roman Catholic, green for 
Mohammedan. 

Secure a five-minute paper on the trials and triumphs 
of South Sea missionaries. (See "John G. Paton," 
"Picket Line of Missions," and "World Wide Evangeli- 
zation," in the missionary libraries.) 

Arrange for an address on Methodism's opportunity 
in the Philippines. (See "The Open Door," the report 
of the Cleveland Missionary Convention.) 

Plan for five or six brief talks on such subjects as 
these: "Self-support in the South Seas;" "Has Hawaii 
lost its missionary inheritance?" "Peculiar problems of 
island evangelism;" "Methodism's island missions;" 
"The unevangelized islands." 

Take just a minute or two to speak of the missionary 
libraries. 

Christian Education in Mission Lands. — Some ad- 
mirable material for this meeting may be found in 
"World Wide Evangelization," the report of the Toronto 
convention, which is a part of Missionary Library No. 
X, the report of the Nashville convention, and in the 
report of the Ecumenical Missionary Conference, held in 
New York in April, 1900. 



1 82 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



A discussion of such questions as these will give 
interest and profit to the meeting: ''Why should we 
establish schools where there is already a school system 
established by the State?" "What is the value of edu- 
cational work in preparing the way for evangelization?" 
"What relation is there between education and the pro- 
viding of native missionary workers?" "How do the 
schools help to make missionary work permanent?" 
"What good reasons are there for teaching arithmetic 
and geography and the natural sciences in mission 
schools?" Other questions will suggest themselves as 
the material is studied. 

Assign these questions to people who will think them 
through, and discuss them sympathetically as well as in- 
telligently. The best result of the meeting will be an 
increased confidence in the wisdom of educational work, 
and, in consequence, more faith in the broad policy of 
missionary work in general. 

Missionary News -from China. — This must be a meet- 
ing for information, as the topic suggests.' Assign the 
themes given in the next paragraph to eight members, 
urging careful preparation, and limiting each speaker to 
two or three minutes. That will mean papers of from 
three hundred to five hundred words. 

Themes for papers : The vastness of the Chinese field, 
Medical work as a missionary force in China, Chinese 
characteristics, The Union Methodist Publishing House 
in Shanghai, The influence of the Boxer and other up- 
risings on missions, Peculiar difficulties of mission work 
in China, The extent of Methodist missions in China, How 
the Station Plan helps Chinese Missions. 

Arrange for a debate, or, rather, a discussion. Take 
the question of "Americanizing" the Chinese Christians, 
teaching them the English language, American customs, 



WORLD EVANGELISM. ^3 

and Western learning generally. Is it wise or not? Let 
two members present the arguments pro and con, giving 
each speaker five minutes to state his case. 

So far as time permits without interfering with the 
rest of the program, a number of paragraphs from mis- 
sionary reports and other sources of information concern- 
ing the Chinese missions may be read, and briefly com- 
mented on by various members. 

Additional helps for the leader and others in the 
preparation of this subject may be found in the following 
volumes of the Missionary Campaign Libraries : 

Library No. 1. — "World Wide Evangelization," "Hu 
Yong Mi," "James Gilmour of Mongolia," "The Life of 
John Kenneth Mackenzie." 

Library No. 2. — "Chinese Heroes," "The Picket Line 
of Missions," "Opportunities in the Path of the Great 
Physician," "The Chinaman as We See Him." 

Close the meeting with a service of prayer for China : 
for her rulers, her educated classes, her great popula- 
tions of joyless folk, for Chinese missions and mission- 
aries ; for hospitals, schools, orphanages ; for the Church 
at home, that China may seem worth working for and 
praying for and giving for ; that we may all find Christ's 
own point of view as to that empire which, because of 
its numbers, antiquity, and civilization, is a world-power 
of to-day and to-morrow. 

By assigning all the themes, and as many readings 
as can be used in the time allotted, and by asking a 
number of members to offer prayer, each one in behalf 
of some specific part of the subject, as suggested in the 
last paragraph, it will be possible to get from twenty 
to thirty different people to take part in this meeting. 
And that result is worth a lot of planning beforehand. 

A Missionary Inspiration Meeting. — Have many mis- 
sionary prayers. 



184 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Make them special, not general. 

Get maps and charts if you can. If they are not large 
enough to be seen easily, transfer one of them to the 
blackboard. 

The blackboard work will be more effective, even 
though rather crude, if it can be done as an accompani- 
ment to the oral explanation of it. 

Ask these questions in calling for testimony: What 
is the next thing you can do for missions? What can 
this Chapter do, more than it is doing? This Church? 

What one good thing da you know about missionary 
work ? 

What is the greatest missionary argument? 
What great missionary book have you read ? What has 
it done for you? 

What is the real difference between home missions 
and foreign missions? 

How can we know that we have power to do mis- 
sionary work? 

Why is the missionary called to make greater sacri- 
fices than the people who stay at home? 

What is wrong with the average Christian's notions 
about missions? 

Is there too much emphasis put upon the question of 
giving? 

What is the net gain to missions from this meeting? 

Missionary Socials. 

The Second Department can take the old-time social 
and give it a new lease of life. The social can be under- 
taken with a purpose which will put it above the level 
of mere entertainment. It can be made more entertain- 
ing than ever, and yet produce results in information, 
purpose, and power for the benefit of the missionary 
enterprise. 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



185 



In planning for missionary socials the missionary 
libraries will prove invaluable. The material they con- 
tain offers almost limitless opportunity for social even- 
ings of instruction and interest. Without going into 
details, a few characteristic socials are here suggested. 
The details of their working out will not be difficult, 
and each subject suggested will furnish the keynote for 
its own preparation. 

Games. — Spend an evening playing foreign games, 
using the characteristic native games of the country under 
consideration. 

The Curio Social. — This offers endless variety. In 
nearly every Church there are people who possess numer- 
ous mementos of travel, and souvenirs sent from various 
parts of the world. An exhibition of these, with some 
comment on the countries of their origin, and other in- 
formation which will be suggested by the articles ex- 
hibited, will furnish an interesting evening's diversion. 

The Epoch Social. — Take a period of time — a cen- 
tury, half century, or a decade. Let different speakers 
sketch the progress of missions within the period selected. 
Give statistics of growth and development. Tell of the 
new opportunities for missionary work within the time 
under consideration. Give the notable events in mission- 
ary history. Let this meeting emphasize the rapid march 
of the kingdom of God in mission fields. 

A Missionary Tour. — Plan a journey to three or four 
mission fields. Let each mission be represented by the 
home of one of the members. After a brief stay at the 
first mission field, and an inspection of whatever material 
illustrating the work of the field may be available, the 
company passes to the next house in order, and so on until 
the tour has been completed. The decorations at each 
place will be in harmony with the customs of the field 
represented. 



1 86 EP WORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



A Founders Meeting. — At this meeting have brief 
biographies of the great mission founders, Zinzendorf, 
Carey, Mills, Butler, Taylor, and others. 

A Surprise Program. — A surprise program will bring 
some desirable- results. One or two weeks before the 
meeting, write a letter to eight or ten of your brightest 
people. Suggest six or eight parts to be taken in a 
missionary program, such as telling a story, singing a 
song, giving a Bible reading or a recitation, reading a 
poem or a paper. Number the parts and ask each to 
designate which he will do. In this way each person will 
be likely to be exactly fitted. They must not tell what 
parts they have. Do not announce the parts at the meet- 
ing. Give the speakers numbers at the service, and they 
can appear unannounced in the order of their numbers. 

Essay Contest. — Have an essay contest. Limit by age 
or not as you choose. High-school students will usually 
enter with zest. Purchase a medal, to be given to the one 
who writes and delivers the best essay on some mission 
subject. Make the theme a person, a country, a station, 
or a truth. Count thought, composition, and delivery. 
Advertise extensively. Name, in a circular, valuable books 
of reference. Print a few simple rules with the announce- 
ment. 

Missionary Debate. — Try the oft-suggested and ef- 
fective missionary debate. Many folks believe only in 
home missions. Take a subject like this: "Resolved, 
That home missions need our money more, and have a 
stronger demand upon us, than foreign missions." Ap- 
point two good leaders and assistants. Advertise it. 
Urge volunteer speeches on both sides. Plan for a few 
to lead off. Make' a time-limit. At the close, mark one 
collection basket "Home Missions," the other, "Foreign 
Missions." Let the side which secures the larger col- 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



187 



lection be declared the winner. Other themes for de- 
bate are suggested on page 171. 

The Machinery of Missions. — Few people know how 
missionaries are sent out, how they live, and how they 
are controlled. Ignorance in this respect loses support 
and arouses opposition. Describe in a paper the compo- 
sition, methods, meeting-time, and missionary tests of 
the General Missionary Committee. It might be well to 
compare different denominations. Some imagine that 
much money is used for expenses. Others hold the notion 
that missionaries receive large salaries and live extrava- 
gantly. The "Bishop's Conversion," by Ellen Blackmar 
Maxwell, is a fine answer to this heresy. The consecra- 
tion and self-sacrifice of missionaries will touch sympathy 
and win support. 

An Imaginary Trip. — When studying a country, draw 
a map on the blackboard. Provide cards with the names 
of stations on them. When a place is mentioned in the 
study, let some one come forward and stick the card with 
a thumb tack into its proper location on the map. (Use 
the same method in speaking of the missionaries, and place 
the names of the workers on the map at the stations.) 
Let a good speaker take an imaginary trip, describing the 
customs seen and experiences met until he comes to a 
missionary station. Then an appointed person appears, 
places the card at the proper place, and -tells about the 
work at that point. The speaker then resumes his trip 
until another station is reached, when another appointed 
person places another card, and describes the work. So 
it continues until the trip is completed. 

An Information Social. — Large maps showing the 
mission stations may be hung around the room. If none 
of these are yet available, ask the young men to prepare 
them from the maps in the magazines and reports. Four 



1 88 EP WORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 

feet by three is a good size. White paper pasted on 
calico, a brush, and a little ink will not cost much. 
Colored inks, or diluted aniline dyes, may be used with 
good effect to show the different districts. Use diagram 
showing the growth of the missions, the proportion of 
heathen and Christian population, and the money spent 
for the work of the field. 

Curiosities from the mission fields may be explained 
and examined. Idols that have been worshiped prove 
interesting. 

Books of photographs, as well as some good mission- 
ary biographies, should be laid upon the tables for in- 
spection. 

One or two short letters from persons in the foreign 
field may be read. But they must be lively, interesting, 
and to the point. 

Of course, missionary hymns will be sung, but a 
hymn in a foreign language copied on the blackboard, 
and sung by the music committee, will add to the interest 
of the meeting. 

A Ceremonial Social. — Spend an evening in reproduc- 
ing some of the striking social and political ceremonies 
of various mission lands. It may oe wise to limit the 
ceremonies to one country, or a broader field may be 
occupied, and typical ceremonies of mission countries may 
be reproduced. 

Prayer and Missions. 

Prayer for missions should be definite, intelligent, 
believing, and constant. The use of prayer cycles is 
greatly to be recommended. Any study of missions which 
fails to discover that prayer has been from the beginning 
a mighty means of missionary advance will fail to find 
the key of the missionary movement. 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 189 
The; Cycle; of Praye;r. 

The world needs to-day more than anything else a 
constant devotional study of the Bible accompanied by 
believing prayer. It is suggested that this Cycle be used 
in keeping the Morning Watch, which consists in setting 
aside the first moments of each day for devotional Bible 
study and secret prayer. 

In using the Cycle strive to avoid formality, irregu- 
larity, haste, indolence, insufficient preparation, and limi- 
tation of our prayers to intercession. Rather let us be 
fervent in spirit, joyful and thankful, asking for definite 
things, and believing that our prayers will be answered 
when we ask according to His will. 

It would greatly increase our power in prayer if 
each person would make a careful devotional study of 
the Bible with reference to prayer, and thus come to a 
clear knowledge of the prayer life — its teachings, con- 
ditions, promises, and examples. Secure, if possible, 
"With Christ in the School of Prayer" and "The Min- 
istry of Intercession," by Andrew Murray, each 75 cents, 
and "The Morning Watch," "Secret Prayer," and "Bible 
Study for Personal Growth," by John R. Mott, and 
"Prayer and Missions," by Robert E. Speer, each 5 cents. 

It is desired that every person adopting one of these 
Cycles of Prayer be very faithful in the observance of 
its use, because in united prayer there is untold power. 

Sunday. — "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My 
name ; ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be 
full." — John xvi, 24. 

Pray for the evangelization of the world in this gen* 
cration, that God may raise up a zealous, praying, mis- 
sionary Church that will carry His Gospel to every living 
creature. Read 1 Tim. ii, 1-8. 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Monday. — "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask 
in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." — Matt, xxi, 22. 

"For He is faithful that promised." — Heb. x, 23. 

Pray for the world-wide mission field, that God may 
keep open the doors of opportunity until the Church shall 
arouse itself to its privilege. Read. Prcv. xi, 24 ; 2 Cor. 
ix, 6, 8. 

Tuesday. — "Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, 
we have boldness toward God ; and whatsoever we ask, 
we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, 
and do the things that are pleasing in His sight." — 
I John iii, 21, 22. 

Pray for the work in Africa, that God may guide its 
leaders, giving them wisdom, and that He may maintain 
and intensify the consecration of the missionaries and 
native Christians to His work. Pray especially for Bishops 
Hartzell and Scott, who have been given the leadership 
of the African work. Read Psa. lxviii, 31-35. 

Wednesday. — "If ye abide in Me, and My words 
abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done 
unto you." — John xv, 7. 

"I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the 
gift of God, which is in thee." — 2 Tim. i, 6. 

Pray for the work in the young people's societies of 
the Church, that God may fill the missions of Epworth 
Leaguers, Christian Endeavorers, and others, with a 
Christlike missionary spirit, that from the intensely mis- 
sionary young people's societies we may reap a conquer- 
ing missionary Church. Read Zech. iv, 6. 

Thursday. — "Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, 
and will show thee great things, and difficult, which thou 
knowest not." — Jer. xxxiii, 3. 

Pray that God may overrule and direct all political 
and social changes in mission lands ; that governments, 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



191 



commerce, and civilization may all be His messengers 
in hastening the spread of the Gospel. Read Psa. 
lxxii, 8-20. 

Friday. — "They that wait upon Jehovah shall renew 
their strength ; they shall mount up with wings as eagles ; 
they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and 
not faint.'' — Isa. xl, 31. 

Pray for the native agents in all mission lands, — 
preachers, helpers, teachers, dispensary assistants, readers, 
and the Bible women; for the native Church, — its prog- 
ress in self-government and self-support, its strengthen- 
ing in persecution. Read Acts xx, 28-32. 

Saturday. — "Ah, Lord Jehovah ! behold, Thou hast 
made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and 
by Thy arm stretched out ; there is nothing too hard for 
Thee. Behold, I am Jehovah, the God of all flesh : is 
there anything too hard for Me?" — Jer. xxxii, 17, 27. 

Pray for missions in the Epworth League, that God 
may guide the general officers and the members of the 
organization, that the Epworth League may henceforth 
be a mighty, irresistible missionary force. Read Psa. 
ii, 8-12. 

Complete copies of this "Cycle" in leaflet form, con- 
taining much material which is omitted here, and spaces 
for noting special petitions, may be had from the Young 
People's Department of the Missionary Society, 150 Fifth 
Avenue, New York, at the rate of 5 cents each, 35 cents 
a dozen. 

The missionary libraries have abundance of material 
which will illustrate the power of prayer and remarkable 
answers to prayer in the mission field. Every missionary 
who has won success will testify that the use of prayer 
in his work has been the chief secret of its progress. 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Gifts to Missionaries. 

The habit of sending gifts to missionaries is largely 
confined to those who are on the frontier in our own 
country, or in its more destitute sections. It could very 
profitably be extended to include missionaries in the for- 
eign field. Often they have more need of remembrances 
like this than they have of money itself. It should be 
remembered that though the missionary in the foreign 
field has his salary paid by the Missionary Society, the. 
claims on his purse are unusually numerous, and the 
temptation which his work offers to sacrifice his own com- 
fort and even his own necessities to the need that he 
sees all about is constantly with him. 

It therefore happens very frequently that a mission- 
ary's family in a foreign land lives amidst the most bare 
and unattractive surroundings. Luxuries are not to be 
thought of. Under these circumstances a missionary box 
from an Epworth League Chapter would be a veritable 
godsend. 

Omit necessities from the box. The bare materials 
.of subsistence will be secured somehow. But the things 
which the missionary family lacks are the little extrava- 
gances in which we indulge ourselves so lavishly, but 
which to them are entirely out of the question. The 
missionary may long to buy a few modern books, but 
where is the money to come from ? His wife and family 
may desire to read the latest new story, that sells in this 
country by the thousands. A copy slipped into the mis- 
sionary box would be exceedingly welcome. Even a little 
candy of a quality that will stand transportation would 
be much more enthusiastically received than some people 
imagine. 

Every woman can think of things that a woman likes 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



193 



to have : the little incidental belongings which go to 
make up the charm of a home, but which are counted 
in the missionary household under the head of luxuries, 
that can be dispensed with. All these things, and many 
others which will suggest themselves to any group of 
thoughtful people, will make the preparation and sending 
and receiving of a missionary box a matter of unalloyed 
delight. 

The: Missionary Libraries. 

There are two Missionary Libraries now available for 
use. They justify all the praise that has ever been ac- 
corded them. Every Chapter should have one or both 
of them for the use of the Department of World Evan- 
gelism. A missionary Chapter with a mission study class 
and a monthly missionary meeting can scarcely keep go- 
ing without the libraries. 

These books are transcripts from life. There is no 
flavor of old-time missionary ignorance about them. 
They show the missionaries as men and women of affairs 
and of common sense. They give word pictures of 
heathen life that are photographic in their distinctness 
and in their fidelity to facts. They tell the simple truth 
about missions, and the simple truth is all one needs 
for the rousing of missionary interest in abundance. The 
leaders of the missionary devotional meeting will find 
in these books a perfect treasury of missionary argument, 
appeal, instruction, and demonstration. Without some 
such help the missionary topic is likely to be voted a wet 
blanket. With the leader using these libraries judiciously 
and intelligently, the missionary meeting will show a dis- 
tinct gain in interest, value, and lasting results. 

The best use of the missionary libraries is by means 
of their free circulation. The great need of many young 

13 



194 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 

people concerning missions is to know the facts. It is 
of first importance to get such books as these into the 
homes where there is little sympathy with the foreign mis- 
sionary work. A book is always a challenge. Somebody 
may pick it up. In many cases it will be read through. 
That will mean the creation of missionary interest, which 
is the mother of missionary conviction, which is the 
mother of missionary service. And missionary service 
is the result we are seeking. 

Keep the books in a prominent place, where they jean 
not be overlooked. During the missionary meeting put 
them on the leader's table in the front of the room. 
Refer to them freely. In the intervals between meet- 
ings let the books be accessible. Do not lock them up. 
Do not be afraid of losing them. It will not be an un- 
mixed evil if somebody should take a missionary book 
from the shelf and carry it home without the formality 
of entering it on the records. It will not be stolen. 
Letter to have the book read than to put any hindrance 
in its way. No matter how irregular the method of se- 
curing the book may be, nobody will steal a book of this 
character. The best modern libraries put their books 
where the readers cah have free access to them. What 
we want is to get the books read, not to get the readers 
recorded. 

Recommend the books. Quote from them. Use as 
illustrations striking incidents that are found in them. 
Tell what volumes furnish these incidents. Awaken an 
appetite for the books themselves. It will not be a bad 
thing if the pastor should get into the habit of using 
them in preparing missionary sermons, and then telling 
where he found some of his material. Of course, the 
books will be used freely and constantly in preparation 
for the missionary devotional meeting. 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



195 



How to Get the Libraries. — These missionary libraries 
cost $10.00 each. Number One contains sixteen volumes 
and Number Two twenty volumes. Raise the money 
by personal canvass, or by subscriptions taken at a mis- 
sionary meeting, or appropriate the money directly from 
the general treasury, or get some individual to give 
them, or buy them from the general library fund, or 
unite with the Sunday-school in the purchase, or any other 
honorable method. The main thing is to get the books. 
They are sold by the Young People's Missionary Move- 
ment, 156 Fifth Avenue, New York. 

Other Missionary Material. 

Do not stop with the campaign libraries. They are 
merely a beginning of missionary literature. Start a mis- 
sionary library that will have not thirty-six but one 
hundred or more vigorous and interesting volumes. Do 
not be afraid if it rivals or even excels the Sunday-school 
library. Use the missionary periodical, World-Wide 
Missions, the Missionary Reports, and any other avail- 
able literature. 

Make a missionary scrapbook. Some of the best 
missionary information is found in the current periodicals, 
and some of the most attractive and interesting pictures 
are in the same papers. Unless it is captured at the 
time it appears it will be lost. The missionary scrap- 
book may be made a most useful and valuable addition 
to the missionary library. 

Beware of antiquated missionary literature. Much of 
it is not at all suited to present-day needs. Do not put 
a book on the shelves because it was given to the Epworth 
League for that purpose. Let somebody of sense 
and discrimination read the book. If it is morbid or 



196 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



one-sided, or in any way unsuited to the needs of the 
Chapter, do not use it. 

Charts, especially if they are made by members of the 
class, have a value entirely distinct from and greater than 
any other missionary device. Anybody can make a mis- 
sionary chart. A small sketch may be made, then en- 
larged to any size that is convenient. The subjects for 
missionary charts are well-nigh infinite in their variety. 

Suggestions for Missionary Charts. — Comparative 
statistics : Of population, of giving and spending, of 
heathen and Christian areas, of proportionate number of 
preachers to communicants, of proportionate number of 
preachers to population, of the rate of growth in heathen 
and in Christian countries. 

The reflex influence of Missions : On the Church at 
home, on commerce, on the growth and development of 
nations, on language and literature, on explorations, on 
industrial development. 

The increase of opportunity, the distribution of lan- 
guages, the increase of written languages, the increase 
of Bible translations, doors opened by world politics and 
civilization. 

THE STUDY OF CHURCH BENEVOLENCES. 

Why "Church Benevolences ?" 

Sometimes you hear Church members utter a com- 
plaint about "too many collections." Suppose we ask 
the question, "Why any collections at all?" 

What is there about the Church and its religion that 
makes it necessary to keep up a certain number of enter- 
prises, officially called benevolences? How are these 
enterprises related to the work of the Church? Could 
we not get on very well without them? Are there not 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



197 



Churches which prosper without supporting any of these 
institutions ? 

Let us look at these questions with unprejudiced and 
unclouded eyes. They touch the life of the Church, and, 
in a way, they go to the root of that which we call re- 
ligion. 

Church benevolences are the natural outgrowth of 
the Christian spirit. Let a man believe in Jesus Christ 
as his Saviour, and experience the life-giving power of the 
Spirit of God, and his whole relation to the world about 
him is changed. He becomes, first of all, a sincere wor- 
shiper of God. The fact that Christianity is a social re- 
ligion leads individual Christians to seek each other's 
society, that they may worship together. Thus a Church 
begins. 

But worship is only one hemisphere of the Christian 
life, the other side of which is service. Its two great 
ideas are Fatherhood and Brotherhood. In the brother- 
hood there is constant opportunity for service. 

The chiefest service a Christian can render to his 
neighbor is to win him to the Christian life. That is 
the real meaning of the Great Commission. That explains 
preaching, and revivals, and individual evangelism. 

If your neighbor is physically near, you may invite 
him to your Church, visit him in his heme, give him a 
copy of the Bible, and, by every means that suggests 
itself to you, seek to convince his intellect, arouse his feel- 
ings, and enlist his will, to the end that he may become 
a Christian. 

But "neighbor" is a word not limited by bodily near- 
ness. Any one who is or may become your brother is 
your neighbor. If he is on the other side of town, where 
as yet there is no Church, you may go over there, or 
send some one to start a Church in his vicinity. It will 



198 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



probably begin as a mission Sunday-school, or a cottage 
prayer-meeting. But it will be doing what every Chris- 
tian is under obligation to do, by reason both of the com- 
mand of Jesus Christ and of the Christian's own love 
for the souls of men. That explains city missions, in all 
their infinite variety. 

Suppose your "neighbor" is in another city, or another 
State, or another country. Suppose that while your com- 
plexion is white, his is black, or brown, or red, or yellow. 
Do these facts change the nature of your obligation to 
him, or your own obligation to God? Scarcely, and so 
there is the explanation of home missions, and foreign 
missions, with all that they mean. 

In some hitherto* unevangelized place a home mis- 
sionary has gathered together a little company of Chris- 
tians. There are children enough to justify the organiza- 
tion of a Sunday-school, and the people desire regular 
and frequent gatherings for worship, and for the teaching 
and the preaching of the Word of God. But the com- 
pany has outgrown the farm parlor or the schoolhouse 
in which it first met. What shall be done? Unless the 
little society is provided for, the work that has been done 
is in danger of being dissipated and lost. And so obedi- 
ence to the command of Jesus Christ makes it necessary 
to help these people in securing a place of worship. 
They can not build without help, and the help comes 
in the form of an organized Church Extension move- 
ment. 

In that little frontier Church there is a young man 
who has heard the call to preach. But he has also heard 
the call to prepare to preach. That means schooling 
beyond the limits of his small resources. Shall his God- 
given powers be lost to the world for lack of a little 
money ? The question can have but one answer, and that 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



199 



takes shape as an educational society, which can deal, 
not with one young man, but with a thousand. 

Down South there is a black cloud, made up of ten 
million native-born Americans. Most of them are un- 
taught ; nearly all of them are children of poverty. But 
they are of those for whom Christ died, and to whom He 
sends His disciples. The home-missionary work provides 
for them the direct message of the Gospel, but they need 
much before that message can be filled with meaning. 
They are so burdened by inheritance, by prejudice, by ig- 
norance, that the Gospel must come — to their children 
at least — with a promise of physical and mental freedom, 
as well as the freedom of the soul. And it does come 
with such a promise, through a great and far-reaching 
benevolence of the Church, in our communion known as 
the Freedmen's Aid and Southern Education Society. 

Your Church, which grew out of the home missionary 
Sunday-school, has, of course, a better Sunday-school 
now. But it is still poor. It needs help to put it on its 
feet. And a few miles beyond there is a school still 
poorer, still without Church building or organization. 
Further on there is great need and a great field for a 
Sunday-school, but none has yet been started. Obedience 
to the Great Commission sends supplies of literature and 
other helps to the Sunday-schools already at work, and 
plants a school in the place where it is so much needed. 
And this again is done through the agency of a "benevo- 
lence," the Sunday-school Union. 

In a thousand places men are more willing to think 
about the good news of God if they can read it than if 
they must listen to some preacher. So, being all things 
to all men, the Christian will seek to reach these men 
also, and win a hearing for himself through the agency 
of an easily read and convincing piinted page. Here 



200 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 

again a benevolent society does what needs to be done — 
the Tract Society. 

And, of course, the Bible must be put into as many 
hands as possible. They who can do no more can not 
surely do less than seek to give God's revelation to all 
the world. And that can be done. The American Bible 
Society will send a, Bible for you to your yellow brother 
in China, your brown brother in the Philippines, your 
red brother in Oklahoma, or your black brother in an 
African tribe which yesterday had not even a language. 

But time would fail to tell of all the forms of benevo- 
lence which are brought into beautiful operation through 
obedience to the last command of our Lord — hospitals, 
aged people's homes, orphanages, deaconess homes, 
schools, and a score of others. But they are all legiti- 
mate, and all binding upon the conscience of every Chris- 
tian, up to the measure of his ability. Giving to these 
causes is not a mere necessary response to more or less 
urgent begging; it is asking an organized company to 
do these things which the individual can not do, but which 
must be done if the kingdom of God is to come on the 
earth. 

What One Chapter Did. 

It would be a fascinating thing if we could trace every 
dollar of benevolent money to its final destination. That 
can not be done actually, but in imagination we can follow 
the process. 

Here is a Chapter which every year raises about $150 
for the regular benevolences. What has that Chapter 
done? 

It has supported two native preachers, one in India and 
one in China, who have kept alight the torch of Christian 
hope in the midst of reeking, revolting heathenism, with 
famine, violence, and pestilence all about them. 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



20I 



It has provided windows and doors for a little Church 
in a neighborhood where the Gospel of Jesus Christ 
will be a power long after the givers of the money have 
gone home to heaven. 

It has sent two hundred tracts to a group of immi- 
grants just landed on our shores, greeting them with a 
Christly message in their own tongue, so that they have 
felt at once a little less strange in the strange land, and 
are more responsive to Christian effort. 
- It has kept a Sunday-school in Montana in literature 
and supplies for a month. 

It has paid the salary of a teacher in Philander Smith 
College for two weeks, during which time four hundred 
eager black boys and girls have been given a taste of the 
knowledge they covet so intensely. 

It has paid for two weeks all the expenses — how small 
they are ! — of a young man in college, who may some day 
go to that Chapter as its pastor, and be a better man for 
the place by the amount of that two weeks' schooling. 

It has bought twenty Testaments, which a deaconess 
gave to the hitherto Scriptureless children in a down- 
town Sunday-school. 

And so, while the Chapter has been jogging along 
about as usual, it has touched the two most populous 
centers of heathenism with Gospel truth. It has stood 
with the advance guard of civilization on our own fron- 
tier. It has taught Sunday-school in the Northwest, 
and given hope and inspiration to a school full of Negro 
boys and girls in the South. It has been to college with 
a needy, courageous, self-helping candidate for God's 
ministry of preaching. It has gone up and down the 
stairs of Chicago rookeries with a direct descendant of 
Paul's co-laborer Phoebe, the first of deaconesses. And 
everywhere, teaching, healing, feeding, cheering, it has 



202 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



been busy with the very essence of Christ's work on 
earth, and has earned His "Inasmuch as ye have done it 
unto the least of these, My brethren, ye have done it 
unto Me." 

How To Study Benevolences. 

The easiest way is the extensive way. Find out the 
amount of money given to each cause, report on the num- 
ber of converts won, churches built, schools organized, 
tracts distributed, sick folk put in hospital, and so on. It 
needs only a good head for figures, and a copy of the 
latest statistics. It is a good way to study benevolences, 
but it must be supplemented by intensive study, or it will 
be dry-as-dust, and light-as-a-feather. 

The intensive study is a fascinating thing. What 
manner of folk are they to whom the missionary has 
gone ; what their hopes and fears, their personal history ; 
their special traits of Christian character? What of the 
people .sheltered by that Church Extension church? 
What manner of folk are they? How do they use their 
religious home? How does it affect their lives, and the 
life of the community? Who are these young fellows 
going out to the colleges and seminaries to get training 
for Gospel service? What of their battles, their hard- 
ships, their studies, their self-demands, their success? 

And so down the whole list of "benevolences." You 
can not get over so much ground by the intensive method, 
but you will get more out of the ground you do traverse. 

Provisions eor the Study. 

A part of the work allotted to the second department 
is the study of the benevolences. The plan is not to raise 
the benevolent collections, nor to seek to secure contribu- 
tions from the Chapters, but to develop in our young 
people's societies a greater intelligence regarding these 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



203 



great denominational societies, thus insuring a future 
Church which will be able and willing to bear its respon- 
sibility. 

A few of the more important facts concerning these 
forms of benevolent work carried on by the Methodist 
Episcopal Church are given here. The members of the 
Ep worth League need not only to be interested in this 
work, but first of all they need to be informed concern- 
ing it. Just enough in the way of facts is provided in 
the following pages so that Epworth League workers 
may have a sound basis of information on which to build 
their plans of interesting and educating the members of 
the League in the work of these great institutions. 

During the Epworth League year special days are 
devoted to these benevolent causes, when the League's 
Sunday evening meeting is given over to the work of in- 
forming and interesting the young people in their pur- 
poses and methods. In preparation for these meetings 
the First Vice-President and the several leaders will find 
the material here given useful and suggestive. Of 
course it would be poor policy to be satisfied with what 
facts can be gleaned from these pages, but they can at 
least be used as a "point of departure." 

Starting here, the further afield the quest for infor- 
mation is prosecuted the richer will be the spoil which 
can be laid before the members and their friends when 
the special day arrives. 

The Benevolent Societies. 

There are provided by the Discipline of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, in addition to the missionary organi- 
zation, six benevolent societies. 

I. The Board of Church Extension, which aids in 
building churches in new and destitute fields. Over twelve 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



thousand churches have been aided by the Board of 
Church Extension since its organization in 1865. These 
buildings range from small frontier churches to the large 
structures required among the hosts of a great city. The 
Missionary Society invests annually in home missions 
about forty-five per cent of its yearly expenditures. Very 
largely this can be useful only as Church Extension pro- 
vides places of worship. 

The General Committee of the Board, at its meeting 
in November, 1905, summarized the work of Church Ex- 
tension in significant words when it said : 

"The spiritual family needs a spiritual home. In a 
sense deeper than our accustomed thought, the church 
building is a sign and safeguard of the faith. 

"General Methodism, never keener of vision than 
now, never more ardent in devotion, evidences its dis- 
cernment and zeal, in part, by this, that every week she 
brings to completion more than forty houses of worship, 
the Methodist Episcopal Church contributing her iair 
part toward this achievement. 

"The conviction which compels endeavor in respect 
of this work can not be escaped by him who recognizes 
the relation of Church Extension to the other benevo- 
lences. As every missionary agency looks for support 
to the housed congregation, so it can not reckon upon 
the conservation of its successes until the congregation 
called into being by its message be housed. 

"Spiritual harvests gathered must be garnered. No 
city except the heavenly is safe without the temple. From 
the great cities of our land come appeals in which are 
mingled evangelistic and patriotic ardor, for unless 
churches be multiplied, the gravest problems of our civi- 
lization must remain practically unsolved. 

"In many an educational center the contrast between 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



205 



the adequate appointments of the school and the inade- 
quate appointments of the church has operated upon 
youthful minds to the confusion of thought as to the rela- 
tive dignity and claim of education and religion. It is a 
costly parsimony which would suffer the continuance of 
such disparity. 

"The forward movement of the nation's flag as surely 
calls upon us to follow with all the agencies of our faith 
as in the ancient days the moving pillar called for Israel's 
advance. It is illogical, if not unkind, to send out our 
missionaries and then neglect the housing of those called 
from their outworn traditions to an acceptance of our 
Lord. 

"It must be known by all that aid is needed for 
churches and parsonages in many fields, but let it be 
known specially that $25 will secure the building of a 
much needed chapel in Porto Rico; $50 a chapel in the 
Philippines ; $100 a church in the Hawaiian Islands ; that 
$250 given for this cause will secure, if the donor so de- 
sires, the erection of a memorial church in some settle- 
ment of the great West, and that proportionate gifts will 
yield proportionate results in the Southland, or in the 
great cities, with their problems of greed and poverty, 
of sorrow and sin. 

"Last year the collections aggregated $139,240.92, ex- 
ceeding those of the preceding year by $14,500.87. 

"We believe that the money has been wisely expended. 
What an investment has the Loan Fund proved, with its 
$600,000 going out to build, and returning only to start 
again! The past year has exceeded all preceding years 
in the aggregate of returns on this account. 

"During the lifetime of the Board over fourteen thou- 
sand churches have been aided by it. Only the account- 



2 o6 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



ants of the skies can reckon the results accruing from the 
expenditures of these forty years. 

"To the officiary and membership of the entire church 
we appeal for such thoughtful and generous considera- 
tion as this great cause has right to claim. Let the rich 
help the poor, and the poor befriend the poorer, so that 
throughout the Church Methodism shall multiply her 
houses of worship, willing hearts shall find inspiration to 
sacrifice, in the cross of Calvary, and encouragement to 
arise and build in this, that for seeking souls the house 
of God is still the gate of heaven." 

2. The Freedmen's Aid and Southern Education So- 
ciety, which establishes and maintains institutions for 
Christian education in the Southern States among both 
colored and white people. The instruction in these in- 
stitutions includes such literary, professional, and indus- 
trial courses of study as will tend to the development of 
the highest Christian character. The locations of these 
institutions have been chosen with reference to the for- 
mation of an educational system with collegiate centers 
and co-operative preparatory academies. 

This Society concerns itself with educational work 
among both races, because the two races in the South are 
interdependent, and the chiefest foe of both is ignorance, 
with its resulting prejudice, hatred, and strife. The 
safety, not to say the prosperity and happiness, of each 
race depends, above everything else, on the fully-rounded 
Christian education of the other. 

There is abundant hope for permanent success in this 
work. The South is belated, but not degenerate. Both 
races reached by our schools are rich in promise. Its 
white people are of purest American stock — the stock 
from which Lincoln sprung. They are Protestants and 
patriots. Over one hundred and forty thousand men from 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



207 



the mountains sprang to the defense of the Union. Be- 
hind its black people are from five to ten generations of 
American-born ancestry. In the single generation since 
slavery, the}* have clearly demonstrated their eagerness 
and capacity for education and the higher life. 

The chief purpose of the work done by the Society is 
to uplift by Christian education. It knows no short-cut 
to enlightenment, either for Dixie or for any other sec- 
tion. It believes in the threefold education of hand and 
head and heart. It believes that the best place for pro- 
viding this education is the Christian school. No other 
institution can be so well equipped as the Christian school 
for the solving of the two great problems — illiteracy and 
the race problem. 

The Society begins with its students where it finds 
them. It must provide education at a cost much below 
its real value. This it does so effectively that it is possi- 
ble for a student to go through every grade from the kin- 
dergarten to the professional school. And at every point 
there is industrial training, and the training of the relig- 
ious nature, as well as the culture of the mind. 

The Society has several universities, centers of gen- 
eral culture, with schools of normal training, theology, 
medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, law, mechanical engineer- 
ing, nurse-training, and a great variety of industrial 
work. Other schools do less extensive, but equally thor- 
ough work. In all these there are maintained ten col- 
leges, twelve academies, and three theological and med- 
ical schools among the black people, and two universities 
and seventeen academies among the mountain white 
people. 

The industrial work is of highest usefulness. The 
Society does not believe in limiting its training, either 
for its black or its white pupils, to the making of skilled 



2o8 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



mechanics and domestic workers. But it does give in- 
dustrial education its rightfully high place. This em- 
phasis on manual training began thirty years ago, long 
before that work had been generally taken up by other 
institutions. Now there are, at Claflin, Morristown, 
Clark, Rust, Wiley, and Gilbert, thirty-two departments 
of industrial education. Even the academies offer courses 
of manual training. A great proportion of the Society's 
graduates stick to their teaching, their trades, and occu- 
pations in after life. 

The sixteen Southern States have less wealth than any 
other section. The people, though rich in purpose and 
in love, are poor in pocket. In 1905 the white Confer- 
ences of our Church, few in number and small in mem- 
bership, gave to this work over $3,300. They gave $4,323 
to the work of Church Extension, and over $32,000 to 
Missions, besides supporting all the general work of their 
Churches. These figures do not include the Baltimore, 
West Virginia, St. Louis, and Wilmington Conferences. 
The colored Conferences gave to this Society's work 
more than $19,000, to Church Extension over $5,000, and 
to Missions $25,000. All told, the Methodists of this 
needy field gave more than $100,000 for the work of the 
kingdom of Christ in direct benevolent gifts. In the 
schools themselves the students, out of their ofttime bit- 
ter poverty, gave in tuition and room-rent almost dollar 
for dollar of the entire amount of the appropriations 
made by this Society for teachers. 

Many of the results of the forty years' work of the 
Society can not be put into figures. The Society has been 
a great civilizing and Christianizing agency during the 
dark days of the South's history. It has had a large 
share in saving the South from social and industrial 
chaos. The new South owes a greater debt to this So- 
ciety than can ever be computed. 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



209 



A new moral life has been developed among the Ne- 
groes. The purity of the home and social life, and a 
higher regard for the sanctity of the marriage vow, are 
important evidences of permanent growth. Industry and 
thrift in the purchase of homes and farms are also evi- 
dent. Much still remains to be done ; but the progress of 
the race has been so marked that there is no comparison 
between yesterday and to-day. The Society's graduates 
and other students have carried the gospel of education, 
morality, and industry into the heart of the black belt 
whenever they have gone to teach even a three months' 
school. They have thus reached hundreds of thousands of 
their own people, where the Society's schools reach di- 
rectly only a few thousand. 

The white people of the South are equally responsive. 
The mountaineers are awakening from their age-long 
slumber. A new spirit is astir in the hills. The young 
people are eager for learning. Their progress is very 
marked. Our trained teachers are reaching people in 
their isolation. This purest white blood of the land is 
already making a new civilization and providing new 
leaders and cleansing its native soil from old evils and 
from ancient prejudice. Yet even now, while the per 
cent of illiteracy among children of foreign-born parents 
in the nation is only two per cent, that among these 
Anglo-Saxons of the mountains of the Central South is 
I3.4 per cent, and in the nation 5.9 per cent. 

The present need of the work is twofold. It needs 
ilie intelligent sympathy of the young people of Meth- 
odism, to whom this work of education should appeal 
with peculiar force. Then the work needs larger re- 
sources of every kind. The present equipment is inade- 
quate for the 11,560 students crowded into the schools. 
Openings for enlargement and advance can not be en- 
14 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



tered. Schools are asking to be adopted by the Society, 
but it dare not assume any new responsibilities. The So- 
ciety has reduced economy to a fine art; all its dollars 
do double duty ; its teachers are working on mere frac- 
tions of the salaries paid for like work in the North and 
in the foreign mission field, and yet there arises, on every 
side, the insistent appeal of the increasing multitudes who 
are no longer content to sit in darkness. 

3. The Sunday-school Union, which has charge of all 
Sunday-schools of the Methodist Church. The compre- 
hensive purpose of the Union is given as follows in the 
recent report of that Society : "The work of the Sunday- 
school Union shall be to found Sunday-schools in needy 
neighborhoods, to contribute to the support of Sunday- 
schools which without assistance can not continue, to edu- 
cate the Church in all phases of Sunday-school work, con- 
stantly endeavoring to raise ideals and to improve meth- 
ods, and to give impulse and direction in general to the 
study of the Bible by the Church." 

The following carefully prepared "question and 
answer" report of the Union has in it just the facts that 
need to be stated here : 

What is the Union doing for "Sunday-schools in needy 
neighborhoods?" — During the last year it has founded or 
helped to found about five hundred Sunday-schools in 
the United States, and, by grants of lesson helps and "req- 
uisites," contributed assistance to nearly a thousand Sun- 
day-schools. The majority of the prosperous schools 
west of the Alleghany Mountains were in their feebler 
days helped by the Union, and without its assistance could 
hardly have been continued. 

Hozv does the Union help the Negroes of the South? 
— 1. About thirty-five per cent of the Sunday-schools 
helped (within the United States) have been among the 



WORLD- EVANGELISM. 



211 



colored people of the South. 2. The Good Tidings. In 
1904, 1,868,000 copies of this paper were distributed 
without charge in 1,763 Sunday-schools. The Union 
bears one-half of the expense of its publication, and two 
of its four pages are devoted to a practical consideration 
of the Sunday-school lesson. 2. The Union also pushes 
"field work" among Negro children and teachers by two 
field workers who devote their entire time to work in the 
colored Conferences*of the South. 

What is done by the Union for boys and girls of for- 
eign-bom parents? — During the last twenty-five years 
millions of foreign-speaking people have become perma- 
nent residents of our country. On the children of these 
foreigners great care has been bestowed by the Union. 
We have 753 German-speaking Sunday-schools (1904), 
with 47,604 scholars, and a German assistant secretary 
elected by the General Conference. We have 195 Swed- 
ish Sunday-schools, with about 14,842 scholars, and 142 
Norwegian and Danish Sunday-schools, with 9,357 
scholars. In the coal regions and in our railroad centers 
thousands of Bohemian children have been gathered into 
our Sunday-schools. There are newly established French 
Sunday-schools in New England and in Louisiana ; and 
in ports of entry, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, and Jap- 
anese Sunday-schools ; Spanish Sunday-schools are be- 
ing multiplied in New Mexico, Porto Rico, and the Phil- 
ippines. In 1905 many schools have been established 
among Hawaiians and Filipinos, as well as among Amer- 
ican Indians. 

How does the Union help Sunday-schools in foreign 
lands? — In 1905 the Board of Managers granted $4,- 
957.50 to the various foreign Missions of our Church — 
Africa, China, Denmark, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, 



212 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Finland, South America, 
Sweden, Switzerland, Bulgaria. 

What is the educational work of the Sunday-school 
Union?- — A variety of means have been used: I. Six 
field workers have been supported. 2. The Sunday-school 
Union is at present endeavoring to secure the grading of 
all our Sunday-schools and the adoption of modern edu- 
cational methods. 3. By Superintendents' Unions, Sun- 
day-school Institutes, the organization of a Bureau of 
Institute Speakers, by correspondence, by the publica- 
tion, through the Sunday-school Journal and Bible Stu- 
dent's Magazine, of the best and newest of Sunday-school 
methods and organization, it is seeking to stimulate zeal 
and give helpful guidance to Sunday-school workers. 4. 
It is planned to issue a series of supplemental lessons 
for the various grades of the Sunday-school which will 
provide for a progressive and general knowledge of the 
Bible. 5. Beyond the immediate work of the Sunday- 
school proper, the Sunday-school Union is taking meas- 
ures to provide for an advanced course of Bible study. 
This course, it is hoped, can be ready in the autumn of 
1906. 

What do the statistics of the Union show? — In the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, with a membership in 1905 
of 3,148,211, we have 3,226,337 Sunday-school people, 
or 103 per cent, whereas the total Sunday-school enroll- 
ment of American Protestantism is only 71 per cent of 
its Church membership. In 1905 an increase is reported 
of 374 schools, 4,623 officers and teachers, and 56,001 
scholars. 

How is the Union supported? — Every Methodist Epis- 
copal Church is required by the General Conference to 
take annually at least one collection for the support of 
the Sunday-school Union, and each Sunday-school also 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



213 



is required to make a contribution each year. The Union 
can organize one new Sunday-school for every $25 con- 
tributed directly for this purpose. The receipts for the 
year ending November 30, 1903, were $26,845.38. For 
the year 1904 they were $28,012.96. 

What is Rally-day ? — The Corresponding Secretary 
has designated the last Sunday in September as "Sun- 
day-school Rally-day," and the celebration thereof is ex- 
pected to become general. A program of musical and 
Scriptural exercises is issued each year, of which about 
70,000 were sold in 1905. 

4. The Board of Education, the great benevolent 
agency which opens the door to a higher education for 
the young men and women of the Church. This is our 
chief general agency for supplying an educated ministry 
and laity, both at home and abroad. The Board's char- 
ter reads: "The object of the said corporation shall be 
to diffuse more generally the blessings of education and 
Christianity throughout the United States and elsewhere, 
under the direction of the General Conference of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church." 

In connection with the centennial year of American 
Methodism, 1866, a fund was started for the education 
of worthy young Methodists. The Board began to make 
loans in the year 1873. Little by little the necessity for 
such a work has grown. As the years have been pass- 
ing, an increasing number of young people have availed 
themselves of the benefits of this opportunity to secure an 
education. The great usefulness of the work of the 
Board is seen from the fact that up to July, 1905, 14,025 
young people were thus afforded an opportunity to pre- 
pare for a life of usefulness, the total amount lent up to 
that time being $1,452,314.15. The average amount lent 
to each beneficiary of the Society during this term of 
years was $103.55. 



214 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



It is not the purpose of the Board to relieve worthy 
young people from the necessity of struggle. It has al- 
ways been and still is the theory of the Board that the 
best kind of help is self-help, and it aims simply to sup- 
plement the efforts of young people who have enterprise 
and a courageous spirit of sacrifice in order that, thus 
supplementing their own efforts, they may be assisted to 
prepare for a life of effective service to the Church and 
to mankind. Many of the men and women who are now 
doing heroic service in the various fields of Christendom 
and along various lines of endeavor were aided by this 
fund. For the most part, those who have been thus as- 
sisted show a spirit of appreciation and gratitu3e. For 
instance, during the year which closed with November 30, 
1905, those who had formerly been assisted paid back 
into the treasury of the Society, $35,689.47. 

The benefactions of the Board cover a very wide area 
and include many nations. The administration of this 
fund among our educational institutions is vital to their 
welfare. For instance, in 1905, in one case loans were 
made to more than one. hundred students in one of our 
universities. Thus the fund contributes not only to the 
personal need of students but to the building up of the 
attendance of our institutions. 

If the Church knew^the spirit of the young people 
and the sacrifices that many of them are actually under- 
going in order to secure an education, it would give much 
more generously to this important work. In many of our 
educational institutions, young people of both sexes are 
found performing the humblest sort of menial service and 
undergoing sacrifices which, in some cases, amount ac- 
tually to hardship in order to obtain an education. There 
can be no doubt but that hundreds of young people are 
availing themselves of the aid which the Society furnishes 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



215 



who would otherwise find it absolutely impossible to re- 
ceive the benefits of Christian training. 

These, loans are made to young people upon very easy 
terms. Of course, it is necessary that they be young 
people of promise and that they be of high moral char- 
acter, and that all of them be members in full connection 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Meeting all these 
requirements, the loans are made upon the conditions 
that interest at four per cent will accrue on each note 
from date; but if the loan be repaid within five years 
from the date of graduation or leaving school, no charge 
shall be made for interest. The Board is willing also to 
accept the repayment of these loans on the installment 
plan. It is required that those who are thus helped shall 
pay back at least $5.00 per year from the time of leaving 
school. Thus it is made easy for the young people to 
meet the obligation without hardship. 

No work of the Church is more needed and no money 
yields greater rewards than does that thus used to pre- 
pare for their great work the men and women who are 
to bear the burden of the future. The ministry of our 
great Church requires about a thousand new men every 
year and the times demand that they shall be well edu- 
cated and fully equipped for this high calling. Money 
once turned into the funds of the Society goes on per- 
forming its blessed mission again and again. 

The Board during recent years has been publishing a 
quarterly magazine known as The Christian Student, 
which deals in a vigorous manner with up-to-date educa- 
tional problems and which is especially helpful to all min- 
isters, Epworthians, and other Christian workers. This 
magazine is sent to all those who contribute $1.00 or more 
to the Children's-day fund, each year. 

Recently, a very interesting series of leaflets has been 



2i6 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



published, known as "The American Student Series." 
Some of them will be found especially helpful to those 
who are engaged in the work of canvassing for the up- 
building of our educational institutions; but the majority 
of them are designed especially for circulation among 
students. Some of them are adapted to students of col- 
lege rank and some of them would be appreciated by 
those of sub-collegiate rank. Epworth League workers 
will find these leaflets of great service in their work touch- 
ing the interest of Christian education. Following is a 
list of the leaflets and their authors : 

"The Appeal of the Christian College to Men of 
Wealth," Bishop William F. McDowell. 

"Some Rewards of Life in the Ministry," William V. 
Kelley, D. D. 

"College Student, How About Your Bible?" Pro- 
fessor D. A. Hayes, S. T. D. 

"The Power of Jesus Christ in the Life of the Stu- 
dent," Mr. John R. Mott. 

"The Necessity for the Christian College," Thomas 
Nicholson, D. D. 

"How a Student May Begin," John T. McFarland, 
D. D. 

"The New Relations of the College Student," Edwin 
H. Hughes, D. D. 

"The Collegian's 'Eureka,' " William F. Anderson, 
D. D. 

5. The Tract Society, which is the Christian literature 
society of the denomination, publishes or causes to be 
published, tracts of various sizes in various languages. 
Among the most important of the various departments 
of work carried on by the Society is its foreign work. 
During the year no less than twenty-three of the foreign 
Missions connected with our Church received from the 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



217 



Tract Society grants of money ranging from $100 to 
$1,400 for each field, to aid in the publication of religious 
literature in the various languages spoken in these re- 
spective fields. 

When it is remembered that no part of the money ap- 
propriated by the great Missionary Society of our Church 
to any foreign Mission is available for this important 
work of supplying the new converts from heathendom 
with suitable reading matter for their indoctrination and 
training in the fundamentals of a newly adopted faith or 
for the circulation of printed matter among the uncon- 
verted millions of these lands for evangelistic purposes, 
and when it is borne in mind that these comparatively 
small amounts of money actually make possible the print- 
ing of many millions of pages of literature for these very 
important purposes in more than a score of languages, 
one can not fail to be impressed- with the importance of 
the work of the Tract Society. 

A second great department of the work of the So- 
ciety is its effort to supply with tracts the immigrants 
who come to our shores. Though not yet able to reach 
all of the various nations represented, tracts are dis- 
tributed in German, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, French, 
Italian, Spanish, Bohemian, Polish, Hebrew, Chinese, and 
Japanese. The distribution is made through pastors and 
city missionaries. In a few instances the tract matter is 
distributed through weekly papers, a portion of each 
paper being used for that purpose. Grants of cash in 
sums of from $100 to $500 were also made to the Nor- 
wegian Publishing Society, the Swedish Book Concern, 
a Spanish mission paper in New Mexico, the Pacific Jap- 
anese Mission, Italian literature in New York, and other 
similar enterprises in the home field. 

In connection with the Sunday-school Union of our 



218 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Church the Tract Society sends out a beautiful weekly 
paper to the colored people of the South. It is called 
Good Tidings. Its weekly average during 1904 was 35,- 
923: total number of copies distributed during year, I,- 
868,000 ; total number of pages in these, 7,472,000. 

Its work of circulating tracts among English-speak- 
ing people in the home field the Society carries on ac- 
cording to the following plan : 

1. Instead of taking the financial risk of publishing 
tracts it purchases from the Methodist Book Concern 
whatever is necessary for the grants made. 

2. Every Church taking up a collection for this So- 
ciety may, on application by the pastor, have the value of 
one-half the collection returned in tracts for distribution 
under the superintendence of the Tract Committee of the 
Quarterly Conference. 

3. Special grants are made to weak Churches which 
are unable to raise money enough to send for all the 
tracts needed, though it is expected that very Church 
will recognize the Society by taking up a collection. 

4. On application by properly authorized persons 
tracts are sent gratuitously to prisons, poorhouses, Hos- 
pitals, soldiers' barracks, and vessels in port. 

6. The distribution of Bibles. While the Methodist 
Episcopal Church has no Bible society under its own im- 
mediate supervision, it co-operates heartily with the work 
of the American Bible Society, and takes a collection an- 
nually in all the Churches to support this excellent work. 
The following references to the Society are taken from 
the Methodist Year Book : 

"The object of this beneficent organization is de- 
clared to be 'the encouragement of a wider circulation of 
the Holy Scriptures without note or comment.' The field 
of the society's operations is not bounded by continental 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



219 



limits or hemispherical outlines. 'The field is the world.' 
Of the Holy Scriptures that have been circulated through 
the agency of the society, it may be affirmed in the lan- 
guage of the psalmist : 'There is no speech or language 
where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out 
through all the earth, and their words to the end of the 
world.' " 

The issues during the year ending March 31, 1905, 
were 1,831,096; of these, 958,021 were issued from the 
Bible House in New York, and 873,075 from the So- 
ciety's agencies abroad. 

The Society is working in at least one hundred lan- 
guages and dialects. At Shanghai last year it printed 
and published the Scriptures in Mandarin, Easy Wenli, 
Shanghai Colloquial, Cantonese, and in Sam Kiong. At 
Koochow the Scriptures were published in Foochow Col- 
loquial ; at Yokohama in Mandarin, Easy Wenli, Can- 
tonese, Ilokano, Pompanga, Cebuan Bisaya, Japanese, 
and in Korean ; at Chentu in Mandarin ; at Hinghua in 
Hinghua Colloquial ; at Constantinople in Armenian, Ar- 
meno-Turkish, Hebrew, and Hebrew-Spanish; at Beirut 
in Arabic; at Bangkok in Siamese. This is simply the 
story for one year. 

The total issues of the Society during eighty-nine 
years amounted to j6,2J2,jjo copies. 

The total receipts of the Society during the year end- 
ing March 31, 1905, omitting trust funds, amounted to 
$396,885.50. 

The annual report of the Society gives a full state- " 
ment of the work in each of the foreign agencies and 
the special agency of the United States. Copies of .the 
same may be secured by sending to the Secretaries ten 
cents to cover the cost of postage. A brief condensation 
of the annual report, called "The Story of the American 



220 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Bible Society for 1905," will be sent free on application. 
The Bible Society Record, published monthly, giving an 
illustrated account of the work of the Society in all lands, 
is sent to subscribers for thirty cents a year. 

Women's Work. Supplementing, extending, and in 
some cases exceeding, the work of those benevolent en- 
terprises which are under the general control of the 
whole Church, there are two societies wholly managed 
by the women of Methodism. These are the Woman's 
Foreign Missionary Society and the Woman's Home Mis- 
sionary Society. 

The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society has nearly 
300 missionaries at work in the foreign field, besides hun- 
dreds of Bible women and other assistants. The income 
for 1905 was $548,943. The management of this Society 
rests largely with the branch corresponding secretaries, 
namely: New England, Miss Mary E. Holt, 4 Berwick 
Park, Boston, Mass. ; New York, Mrs. J. M. Cornell, 560 
West Twenty-sixth Street, New York ; Philadelphia, Miss 
C. J. Carnahan, Shady and Walnut Streets, Pittsburg, 
Pa. ; Baltimore, Mrs. E. B. Stevens, 604 Thompson Ave- 
nue, Baltimore, Aid. ; Cincinnati, Mrs. L. F. Townley, 237 
Burns Avenue, Wyoming, Ohio ; Northwestern, ■ Mrs. F. 
P. Crandon, 1414 Forest Avenue, Evanston, Bl. ; Des 
Moines, Mrs. W. B. Thompson, Bedford, Iowa; Min- 
neapolis, Mrs. I. W. Joyce, 310 Groveland Avenue, Min- 
neapolis, Minn. ; Topeka, Miss Ella M. Watson, 1701 
South Seventeenth Street, Lincoln, Neb. ; Pacific, Mrs. 
S. F. Johnson, 5 Ford Place, Pasadena, Cal. ; Columbia 
River, Mrs. A. N. Fisher, 214 Twelfth Street, Portland, 
Oregon. 

The work of the Woman's Home Missionary Society 
is done in the United States and such insular possessions 
as are counted a part of the home field, including Porto 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



221 



Rico and Hawaii. The Society's income in 1905, includ- 
ing supplies sent to needy places, was over $350,000. Its 
work includes practically every form of distinctively 
Christian and benevolent ministry. 

Officers. — The present executive officers of the So- 
ciety are : President, Mrs. Clinton B. Fisk ; Vice-Presi- 
dents, Mrs. Jane Bancroft Robinson, Mrs. H. C. Mc- 
Cabe, Mrs. William C. Herron, Mrs. Bishop Walden, 
Mrs. Bishop Fowler; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. 
Delia Lathrop Williams, Delaware, Ohio ; Recording 
Secretary, Mrs. F. A. Aiken ; Treasurer, Mrs. George H. 
Thompson, 2144 Fulton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio. 

With both of these great and beneficent societies the 
Epworth League holds itself in warm and intimate asso- 
ciation. Many of the young women of the League are 
already in the active ranks of their workers, and it is ex- 
pected of all that, as the years pass and they give place 
in the Epworth League to the girls who come out of the 
Junior League eager for wider opportunities, they will 
continue their usefulness as Methodist women in one or 
the other of these great missionary societies. 

Mati.riai, for the Study of Bfnfvolfncks. 

P^ach of the benevolent societies publishes an annual 
report, giving in detail the work of the society. These 
are interesting, compact, and comprehensive. The com- 
mittee should obtain each of these reports each year, and 
preserve them as part of the library of the Department 
of World Evangelism. They will be useful as references 
in preparing programs, for individual investigation of 
the work of the various societies, and for tracing the 
development of the work from year to year. They will 
be sent free of charge to any one making application to 
the secretaries of the various societies. 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



The Year Book of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
contains information concerning every phase of our 
Church work, and should be in the hands of the com- 
mittee. There is given for each benevolence a brief sur- 
vey of its organization and development, together with 
a summary of the work of the past year, including some 
pointed, vital, and interesting statistics. (Price 20 cents; 
by mail, 25 cents.) 

Some of the societies publish official monthly or quar- 
terly papers which contain contributions from leaders 
and active field workers, telling of the peculiar part 
these societies are occupying in the evangelization of the 
world. These will be especially interesting to the young 
people. Subscribe for them, and add them to the li- 
brary of the Chapter. 

Several of these societies furnish leaflets and tracts 
containing valuable facts and attractive incidents and 
anecdotes. Secure several copies of each of these and 
fasten them together to form small booklets, and circulate 
these as books from your library. 

Use a system of pledges for the reading of these dif- 
ferent publications in connection with the missionary 
library work. All literature of this department should be 
merged in the missionary library scheme. 

Secure the circulation of our weekly Church papers, 
which abound in good, fresh material. Let one copy 
be bought or borrowed for the library, and get as many 
private subscriptions as you can secure. Let prayer and 
facts take the place of the monotonous testimony meet- 
ing which you have so often had. 

Arrange the collection of material into scrapbooks, 
folders, or envelopes, alphabetically filled, or prepare a 
card catalogue with six divisions, one for each benevo- 
lent society. 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



223 



One of the most important factors of this work will 
be the prayer-life of the members of the committee. We 
should not forget, when we are discouraged, that Christ 
said, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in 
earth," and "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the 
end of the world.'' The responsibility of presentation 
is ours, but the results we can leave with Him. 

Information concerning Church benevolences can 
readily and properly be presented at the regular devo- 
tional meetings of the Chapter. 

Occasionally the devotional topic will pertain entirely 
to some of these six benevolences. At such times the 
First Vice-President might turn the whole service over 
to the Department of World Evangelism. 

Throughout the year many opportunities will arise 
because of the relation of the regular topic to one or more 
of these benevolent themes. Instead of the testimony 
meeting, perhaps it would be possible to arrange for a 
symposium of interesting facts to illustrate the Scripture 
lesson and the leader's remarks. 

A catalogue of the published tracts of the Tract 
Society may be secured, and from this may be chosen 
the tracts which will be best suited to the topics of the 
coming quarter. In co-operation with the First Vice- 
President, these tracts should be distributed at the proper 
time, and used in the development of the subject for 
each evening. This will not be done many times before 
the committee will discern that the spiritual lives of the 
young people have been strengthened by their reading. 
A limited number of these tracts may be obtained free 
under certain conditions. See the annual report of the 
society. 

The social meetings of the Chapter may be utilized 
in co-operation with the fourth department. Programs 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



are often arranged with poets, missionaries, and great 
preachers. When the Fourth Vice-President is looking 
for something new, let him propose an evening among 
the colored people of the South, describing their literary 
and professional schools, and the work of industrial edu- 
cation. In this meeting follow the motto of a famous 
colored man, to "do a common thing in an uncommon 
way/' and your evening will be a success. The race 
problem is one of the greatest confronting us to-day, 
and there is ample material for use. 

Another evening may be well spent in the work of 
our Church Extension Society. The Churches built b} 
its aid range from the humblest prairie Church to the 
large edifices in our great cities. Ample material is 
at your disposal. 

Plans should be made several weeks in advance for 
securing material and utilizing every opening which may 
be found for the imparting of facts concerning the various 
benevolences. 

Where to Write. 

Requests for material regarding the various benevo- 
lent societies should be sent to — 

The Corresponding Secretary, Board of Church Ex- 
tension, 1026 Arch Street, Philadelphia. 

The Corresponding Secretary, Freedmen's Aid and 
Southern Education Society, 220 West Fourth Street, 
Cincinnati, O. 

The Corresponding Secretary, Sunday-school Union 
and Tract Society, 150 Fifth Avenue, New York City: 

The Corresponding Secretary, Board of Education, 
150 Fifth Avenue, New York City. 

The Corresponding Secretaries, American Bible So- 
ciety, Bible House, New York City. 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



225 



CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP. 

While the principle of Christian Stewardship has 
been fostered by the League for several years, it has 
now been given official recognition by the Board of Con- 
trol, and in the revised Constitution of 1903 it has a 
place in the Department of World Evangelism. The 
constitution says : "At least once each year it [the De- 
partment of World Evangelism] shall present to the 
Chapters the claims of Christian Stewardship, and shall 
seek to enroll the members in the Christian Stewardship 
Enrollment.'' 

The Christian Stewardship Enrollment. 

The Christian Stewardship Enrollment is not a new 
organization, it is simply an enrollment of members of 
the Epworth League" or others who will sign and en- 
deavor to get others to sign a card reading as follows : 
"I desire to be enrolled as a Christian Steward, who 
will hold all that God shall give me in trust for Him. 
I will pay not less than one-tenth of my income regularly 
and directly to His cause.'' 

The enrollment of all persons who will sign the 
pledge is kept in the office of the Department of World 
Evangelism. Already there are a large number of 
names on record in the Epworth League office. The 
advantage of this enrollment should be faithfully pre- 
sented at the time of the regular annual Christian Stew- 
ardship meeting. The young people should be urged to 
give this great subject their prayerful consideration and 
finally should be asked to join its ranks. 

The Four Methods oe Giving. 

There are four methods of giving in common use. 
The go-as-you-please method — taking a collection — 
15 



226 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



is really the lack of a method. A collection is what 
people would rather give than be bothered, and leads 
to the time when people would rather be bothered than 
give at all. When a collection is taken up for missions, 
enthusiasm for missions is taken down. The missionary 
offering should be the culmination of the year's work. 
The Epworthian who merely passes the hat, deserves to 
lose it, for he has no head worthy of it. 

The please-as-you-go method — giving enough to be 
respectable — is the most common one. Most business 
men give enough to maintain a good standing with their 
fellow members. As standing with men becomes more 
assured, giving becomes less. Liberality naturally di- 
minishes as social recognition increases. The trumpet- 
blowing method sounds well, but it is generally lacking 
in sense, and always in dollars. 

The giving a part of what is laid by — the method 
of cheap emotional appeal — is uncertain in its present 
effect for good, and certain in future effect for evil. 
The people who have given because of your passionate 
appeal, will afterwards feel that they were trapped, and 
will harden themselves against you in the future. If 
you depend on impulse to-day, you may depend on repulse 
to-morrow. And then the appeal to emotion is not sure, 
even for once. The people may give as they feel, and yet 
not give until they feel. 

The laying by a part to give — the deep devotional 
method — is commended by practical wisdom as by Scrip- 
ture precedent. If there were no authority for any 
method, the obligation to have the best one would be 
sufficient. That is not deficient in theory which is effi- 
cient in practice. 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



227 



Three: Pertinent Points. 

How can we give to God? He has no needs. But 
"the least of these" are His representatives on earth, 
and they have needs which are real enough and bitter 
enough. At the last the Judge will say : "Inasmuch — *' 
What? 

God's worship must be sustained, and God's work 
must be done. But is it not a mistake' to spend two dollars 
on worship to every one that is spent on work? "To 
labor is to pray," says the proverb. Work may be 
prayer, but worship can never be real worship unless it 
is associated with work. In a word, do not give to music 
more than you give to missions. 

More than the tenth belongs to God. The other 
nine-tenths are His, also. But the tenth is a rough guide 
to the beginnings of a plan by which a certain amount 
is to be set aside for special religious and benevolent 
uses. The proportion of one-tenth for religion to nine- 
tcnths for personal uses has commended itself to the 
devout thought of the world for ages. At the least, it 
is worth trying until a better way is found. And the 
"better way" should not be one which reduces the amount 
of one's giving. 

Right and Wrong Motives for Giving. 

The existence of a demand is not sufficient motive. 
The tramp, the beggar, and the anarchist, are as im- 
portunate as the orphans, the Christless millions, the sick, 
and the afflicted. Sometimes more so. One might 
easily give his whole income to the unworthy if the 
clamor for his giving were sufficient reason. 

We are not to give because somebody says we must, 
God's claim on us is not a tax or an assessment. If 



228 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



we give only on compulsion we do not really give at 
all. 

The only sufficient motive is : "Because I love." 
That is God's motive. It is the motive of all real giving. 
It pours out costly spikenard and tears of gratitude, 
when duty tenders only the formal feast of custom. It 
does not appeal to the selfish, for they need only to keep, 
in order to show where their love is strongest. 

The Significance: of Giving. 

The work of God waits for the million givers of single 
dollars rather than for the one giver of a million dollars. 

The measure of our giving, in many respects, marks 
the limit of the work. England could not let France 
control Fashoda, because at Fashoda France could con- 
trol the Nile rise, and determine to an acre the extent of 
Egypt's harvests, and England is Egypt's guardian. 

Giving is a vital part of our fellowship. Here the 
two mites and the great contribution meet on the level. 
Elsewhere, "money talks," and the more money, the more 
talk. But "the fellowship of the saints" which is regu- 
lated by a financial yardstick is a mocking sham. 

Giving is the one practical outcome of all prayer and 
talk and activity for the work of the kingdom beyond 
your own parish. . 

Giving — not the payment of Church dues — is the 
chief purely benevolent means of grace. For your other 
payments you get value received. Even the sermon is 
worth what you pay for it, and more. It is not "giving"' 
to pay for your share of the light and heat and the 
manifold physical comforts of the Church building. Real 
giving begins after all that is paid. 

Christian Stewardship begins w r ith the getting of pos- 
sessions. Some businesses are utterly closed to the 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



229 



Christian. His greatest imperative is not "I must live," 
but "I must do right." Acids can wash some dirt from 
gold, but not the dirt of an unclean or unrighteous 
business. 

Christian Stewardship has a bearing in our spend- 
ing of our possessions. The test of every expenditure 
should be : "Will it make me better able to live the life 
to which God calls me ?" If so, then you need not hesi- 
tate to spend money on yourself. Go to the mountains 
or the sea, buy that long-desired book, or piece of fur- 
niture, or picture. You have God's permission to make 
the most and the best of yourself. Some people fret at 
the limitations of the "eternal moral." As well might 
the condor of the Andes fret because he has not more 
atmosphere in which to soar. When we fret thus we 
desire a cage built of the wires of our own self-love. 

A Suggestive Program. 

This program should be studied in the light of local 
conditions. It is too long to be carried out in full, but 
it is made long on purpose. The subtractions made from 
it, and other changes, will vary with different Chapters. 
Do what you will with this program, but at all costs 
work out a definite plan for the meeting. 

Song service. (Ten minutes, or less.) 

Prayers, for the clearer vision of duty as Christian 
Stewards, for strength to be more faithful to the vision 
already seen, for the blessing on our giving, for the 
spread of conviction as to Christian Stewardship of all 
powers, possessions, and opportunities. 

Scripture lesson. Matt, vi, 19-34; Acts xx, 35; 2 
Cor. ix, 7; John iii, 17-18. 

The leader speaks : "The great reasons for Christian 
Stewardship." 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Bible reading on one or more of these topics: 

1. The obligation of Christian Stewardship. (Mark 
xii, 14-17 ; Deut. xiv, 28, 29; Prov. iii, 9; 2 Cor. viii, 7; 
1 Cor. iv, 1, 2; Titus i, 7; 1 Peter iv, 10.) 

2. The motive of giving. (Luke xxi, 1-4; Lev. 
xxiii, 10, 11; 2 Cor. viii, 7; 2 Cor. viii, I -3; Matt, 
xxv, 40.) 

3. The method of Christian Stewardship. (1 Cor. 
xvi, 1, 2; 2 Cor. ix, 6, 7.) 

4. The withholding that tendeth to poverty. (Luke 
xii, 16-21; Mai. iii, 8; Luke xi, 42; Mai. i, 8.) 

5. The rewards of Christian Stewardship. (Mai. iii, 
10; Prov. xi, 25; 2 Cor. viii, 12.) 

The pastor speaks : "Christian Stewardship in getting 
, and using." 

A member speaks : "Right and wrong motives for 
giving." 

Another member speaks :« "The significance of giv- 
ing." 

Some members testify : "The personal gains of Chris- 
tian Stewardship. " 

Other members testify : "My method of keeping my 
Christian Stewardship account." 

The leader sums up, and presents the Christian Stew- 
ardship Enrollment, and announces the organization of 
a study-class in the subject. (For particulars concern- 
ing the study class see page 232.) 

The League benediction, or this : "Lay up for 
yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor 
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through 
nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your 
heart be also." 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



231 



Points on- the; Public Program. 

The specially prepared program entitled "The Min- 
istry of Money," might be used. At the conclusion of 
this program distribute enrollment cards to the League 
members for signature. The Christian Stewardship 
Enrollment pledge, printed upon a neat card, may be 
obtained upon application. Plans and sample literature 
on this subject will be furnished upon application to the 
Central Office. 

The department committee can easily secure the co- 
operation of the pastor, and ask him to preach on this 
subject. His influence is to be considered at the outset. 
He will be pleased with such an invitation, and his pre- 
sentation will go far toward securing the sympathy of the 
entire Church, as well as the active co-operation of the 
young people. 

A good Bible reading on this theme, as suggested in 
the sample program, is always inspiring and may bring 
rich results. 

L T se the enrollment cards, asking, before signing the 
pledge, a special consideration of. every one's duty, during 
silent prayer, with the cards in the hands of the members. 

There is an ample amount of sane and inspiring lit- 
erature available. It is indispensable to the work of the 
department. A little money thus invested will give large 
returns in both influence on the spiritual lives of the 
young people and in the increase in collections. The 
Christian Stewardship committee should devise some plan 
for the distribution of this literature. 

Secure the package of a special series of pamphlets 
on the subject of giving, which will be sent to any one 
on the receipt of 25 cents. Address Jennings & Graham, 
57 Washington Street, Chicago. These are written by 



232 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



authorities on this subject, and abound in methods of 
work and inspirational material for good public meet- 
ings. 

The committee can not accomplish much work with- 
out prayer, and every public meeting which in any sense 
considers the financial question, should be pervaded with 
prayer. The individual League member should not as- 
sume such a financial obligation until he has obtained 
light upon his duty from the highest source. 

Where to W rite. — Special correspondence concerning 
Christian Stewardship, enrollment cards, and circulars 
concerning the Christian Stewardship Enrollment, should 
be addressed to the Central Office of the Epworth League, 
57 Washington Street, Chicago. 

Studiks in Christian Stewardship. 

To Leaders. — The purpose of this study is but in a 
small degree academic. Your position, though that of 
instructor, is chiefly that of advocate. God permits no 
neutrality in our attitude toward truth. As leader of this 
class it is your privilege and duty to lead as many as 
possible to the intellectual recognition of the principles 
regulating their financial responsibility to God, not merely 
for intellectual acquisition, but that you may, in the 
spirit of a prophet, induce them to apply these princi- 
ples m the regulation of their lives. 

The results of Christian Stewardship do not include 
simply a better financial support of Christian enterprises, 
but also the very spiritual life of our membership. The 
fundamental sin of the world is selfishness, and it mani- 
fests itself in a thousand forms. It is withholding the 
support Christ needs for work, and making people 
unwilling even to examine the principles of their financial 
responsibility, for fear of the convictions that might fol- 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



233 



low. It drives us to a multitude of humiliating expe- 
dients, irritates us over every call for money, and hardens 
our hearts, making us blind and callous to the needs of 
Christ while holding on to that which is not our own. 
Cultivated by the love of money, it permeates the whole 
character, manifesting itself under many unlovely forms, 
closing the heart to innumerable Christian graces and 
often eventuating in eternal spiritual death. 

This course of study is a serious contribution toward 
winning the Church to this ideal. The carefully selected 
literature supplied in connection with the course offers 
ample material with which the members of classes may 
be made to see and accept their responsibilities ; they may 
be fired with apostolic enthusiasm to win over their en- 
tire Chapters and Churches, and they may be equipped 
with a knowledge of the subject, making them irresistible 
in argument. An enthusiastic coterie of Christian Stew- 
ards, thoroughly informed, consistent, tactful, and zeal- 
ous, associated together for systematic work, can leaven 
and in time transform any Church. Through the in- 
terest awakened by this class, other classes should be 
organized, led by members of this. 

The members of this class should, with those who 
can be associated with them, form a League of Christian 
Stewards. By personal persuasion, through subsequent 
study classes and special League devotional services and 
special Church prayer-meetings, their numbers should 
increase until the Church as a whole joins the constantly 
growing number of phenomenally successful Churches 
that are administered upon this plan. 

The leader of this class is charged with a great op- 
portunity and responsibility if he is to bring these results 
to pass. He should have a first-class committee to assist 



234 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



him. An ample supply of Christian Stewardship pledge 
cards should be secured and effectively and repeatedly 
presented. Members of the class should take cards to 
use in personal solicitation. A list of those who sign 
should be kept. 

In pursuing this study, so vital to the future of our 
Lord's Kingdom, every session should be opened with a 
season of short, definite, earnest prayers, in which there 
is general participation. The lesson also should close 
with prayer, that God may bless His truth and make 
each willing to receive, consistent to practice, and dili- 
gent to spread it. 

A part of each session should also be given to a dis- 
cussion as to what is being accomplished, and how, dur- 
ing the current weeks, the members of the class may 
singly and collectively do most to promote these prin- 
ciples in the League and Church. 

The sessions of the class should begin and close 
promptly. Wandering discussions must be repressed. 
Those to whom subjects are assigned in advance should 
make thorough preparation, and it will be far better if 
they bring their discussions written out. None must be 
permitted to suppose that the assignment of themes les- 
sens the duty of each to master thoroughly the whole 
lesson. 

The time allowed for discussion must be strictly and 
impartially limited, and the attention of the class held 
closely to the topic, and the movement must go promptly 
forward through each study, otherwise it will not be pos- 
sible to cover the ground or to get the most out of the 
studies. 

Christian Stewardship classes should begin, if possible, 
early in the fall, as soon as the Chapter's activities are 



WORLD EVANGELISM. 



235 



beginning to recover from the effects of the vacation 
time. 

The course of study in Christian Stewardship pro- 
vided by the Central Office may vary from time to time 
in minor details, but the suggestions given above will be 
found of value through all changes of text-book and 
method. Before planning definitely the work of a class 
in Christian Stewardship, get the latest and freshest lit- 
erature on the subject from the Central Office of the 
League. 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE WORK OF MERCY AND HELP. 

A vast amount of Mercy and Help work has been 
done in the Epworth League in the last seventeen years 
for no other reason than that the department existed. 
Vice-Presidents for this work have been elected, with- 
out the slightest knowledge of the practical need for 
the department, and in absolute ignorance of the way its 
work should be done. But they have begun to ask them- 
selves the question, "What shall I do?'' and in answer- 
ing that question they have inaugurated and carried 
forward what has amounted in the aggregate to a tre- 
mendous total of benevolent and helpful service. 

The Two Great Divisions. — The work of Mercy and 
Help divides itself roughly into two great parts. First, 
the local work, which provides for the visiting of the 
sick, the aged and the shut-in, helpful and sympathetic 
ministry to the needy, and the distribution of tracts and 
other literature, the work of the flower mission, tem- 
perance work, Christian citizenship, and other activities 
which can be begun and completed within the limits of 
the local Chapter. 

The second great division embraces the work outside 
of the local Church. In this field the local Chapter pro- 
vides help and material support for the great organized 
Mercy and Help enterprises of the Church. These are 
springing up in larger numbers and greater variety every 
year. We have hospitals, orphanages, homes for the 

236 



THE WORK OF MERCY AND HELP. 



aged, deaconess homes, settlements, institutional 
churches, mission churches, and other enterprises of sim- 
ilar purpose. Most of them depend, for the continuation 
of their activities, largely on help from the outside. Their 
local fields do not begin to provide the resources that are 
necessary. This is a good thing, for it compels these en- 
terprises to appeal to the larger Church, beyond the . 
local boundary. This appeal brings the need of the work 
to the attention of Chapters which otherwise would never 
know that such work was being done, much less that 
they could be effective in helping to do it. But it is won- 
derfully true that the smallest Chapter in the remotest 
country district can be linked by real ministry and help- 
fulness to some of these great and far-reaching activities 
of the Church. 

\ 

LOCAL WORK. 

-No matter where the Chapter may be located, it 
should take up some work of Mercy and Help in its own 
neighborhood. Not one Chapter in a thousand is so sit- 
uated that there is no need of this work. Every com- 
munity has its quota of sick and needy, of sad and dis- 
couraged, of weary and tired folk. They may not be 
destitute, but they are none the less in need and help. 
The Mercy and Help Department of the Epworth League 
need not wait until poverty or extreme physical distress 
calls for assistance. These other things, while less ap- 
parent to the thoughtless onlooker, are occasions for 
important and resultful service. 

How to Begin. — In beginning this work the Vice- 
President of the department ought to be sure of a com- 
petent and sympathetic committee. So long as members 
who are really interested in the work can be secured, it 
is almost impossible to get too large a committee. It is 



238 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



certainly not saying too much when we say that at least 
cne-fifth of the Chapter's entire membership should be 
assigned to this department. 

When a new administration takes hold of this work, 
it will be found profitable to hold a meeting of the com- 
mittee, giving an entire evening to it. At this meeting 
canvass every possible variety of work which might be 
undertaken in the community by this department. Dis- 
cuss all branches of work that are suggested. Determine 
which of those that are possible is must urgent, and most 
nearly within the limit of the Chapter's ability. Then 
select one or two or three of these avenues of activity. 
It is better to concentrate the work of the department on 
a few forms of Mercy and Help work than to attempt 
to cover the entire field. Concentration, here as else- 
where, is one of the essentials to successful work. 

When you have chosen your forms of active service 
set to work deliberately to exhaust all the possibilities that 
are in them. Subdivide the department into as many 
groups as you have forms of work, and hold each group 
responsible for results in its particular sphere. 

That Deaconess. — One of the most practical ways of 
doing Mercy and Help work is to secure a deaconess to 
help in the work of the Church. Let the Chapter assume 
her support, and in every way stand by her work. She 
will be worth all the money the enterprise costs, in dis- 
covering ways and means whereby the Church and the 
Chapter may become real forces in the life of the com- 
munity. 

Mercy and Help Money. — With the beginning of 
every year a budget of the expenses necessary to run the 
department should be made. Do not stint this depart- 
ment. Resources should be provided, if possible, accord- 
ing to needs. Whenever it can find real work to do, it 



THE WORK OF MERCY AND HELP. 



should have abundant means with which to do it. Bet- 
ter economize anywhere else than here. 

A plan used by some departments is to make a collec- 
tion in the Sunday evening meeting twice a month for the 
work of this department. In other places one-tenth of 
the entire Epworth League funds for the year is put at 
this department's disposal. One-tenth, however, is a very- 
small allowance, and one-third or one-fourth would be 
very much better in most places. 

Publicity. — One difficulty about the Mercy and Help 
Department work is that it has not had sufficient pub- 
licity. Once in a while hold a Mercy and Help Rally. 
Plan it and advertise it in such a way that you will be 
sure of a good attendance. Then, when you have your 
crowd, describe your work. Give details and incidents 
that have grown out of the activities of the various com- 
mittees. Discuss the forms of work which are desirable 
in your own community. And take a collection. There 
will be a generous response. 

Systematic Visiting. 

This work requires an amount of tact and wisdom 
largely in excess of that demanded by most other forms 
of personal service. The emphasis must be placed upon 
the systematic character of the visiting, and yet it must 
have all the warmth and spontaneousness of personal and 
interested concern for those who are visited. It will be 
advisable in most cases to district the community, and 
to hold each member of the visiting committee or com- 
mittees accountable for prompt and sustained work in 
his or her particular district. Perhaps it may be found 
advisable that visitors go two by two, rather than singly. 
In that case, of course, people who are entirely congenial, 
and who understand each other, as well as the work they 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



are doing, will go together. The great requirement of a 
good visitor is naturalness. The great temptation in the 
systematic visiting of the Epworth League or of any 
other organization, is to make it a perfunctory or formal, 
and therefore very unprofitable affair. Whoever can 
solve the problem of making these visits full of friendli- 
ness and warm personal interest, will have accomplished 
large things for Chapter and Church, as well as for "the 
visited." 

There are, roughly speaking, six classes of people to 
whom visits may be made — the aged, the sick, the strang- 
ers, the shut-ins, residents who are not connected with 
any Church, and those, who, because of misfortune, are 
in need of special help. The same methods can not be 
used, without discrimination, in visiting these different 
classes of people. Each class must be considered by 
itself, except that, for the purposes of this work, the aged, 
the sick, and the shut-ins may be counted as being, prac- 
tically in the same class. 

The Ministry of the Sick-room. — "O, I can't do it ! 
I never know what to do in a sick-room." How often we 
hear this half-despairing protest in our departmental 
work ! And it is uttered in all sincerity. To some sensi- 
tive souls it is really a cross to enter the presence of suf- 
fering. But there are many others who possess the real 
grace of comfort, if they only knew how to exercise it, 
and most of them are willing to learn. For these willing 
but untrained workers the following suggestions are 
offered : 

First of all, remember that you are going to visit a 
sick person. Your visit must be very brief, your manner 
very quiet and gentle. You must do most of the talking. 
Do not dwell too much on the sickness. With cheering, 
measured tones, assure the patient of your interest and 



THE WORK OF MERCY AND HELP. 



offer to do any service that is possible — carry a message, 
write a letter, etc. Your gift of a little bunch of flowers 
will speak long after you have gone, and your kind words 
double their fragrance. A little picture to stand on the 
table beside the bed will keep you in mind always. 

In visiting the sick there is a happy medium between 
boisterous levity and tearful solemnity. One can be 
cheerful and yet sympathetic, serious and yet hopeful, 
bright and yet concerned for the patient's truest welfare. 
But let there be no incitement to tears, and no needless 
strain. 

Of course visiting the sick will have real religion in 
it. You will not go to the bedside expecting to hold a 
sort of premature funeral service, and you will do nothing 
at all to depress or alarm the patient. But you can and 
should take the consolations and encouragement and in- 
vitations of the Gospel, and so make use of them that 
your presence in the sick-room will be a benediction. 

Let your prayers be brief sentences, and lead up from 
the physical to spiritual health. Leave behind you a 
promise of God. 

The ordinary call should be brief. No matter how 
the patient may urge visitors, it is usually best that the 
strain of receiving visitors be ended before it is likely 
to do harm. Of course there may be cases where the ill- 
ness does not forbid long calls. 

A call in cases of sickness is largely enhanced in 
value if it is promptly made. The weary days drag them- 
selves slowly along, and as day after day passes, with- 
out any sign of interest from the people of the outside 
world, the invalid is inclined to feel that all interest in 
him ceased when he became helpless. As soon as you 
know of a case of sickness notify the pastor. Arrange 
matters with him so that if he learns -first of any case he 
16 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



will notify the Chapter's visiting committee. Except in 
cases where the nature of the sickness makes visiting un- 
wise and undesirable, it will be a kindness to the friends 
of those who are sick, and to the sick ones themselves, if 
the information of the illness is passed around the circle. 

As the patient recovers, draw him out to speak of 
himself and his attitude toward the things of God. Leave 
a marked Bible for him to read. Gather papers, maga- 
zines and helpful books to loan. Learn from the nurse 
whether the patient can have fruit or any other luxury, 
and supply it. When recovery is complete, the im- 
pressions that were made during the visits of the days of 
sickness may be deepened and strengthened if the case is 
followed up. Do not give any excuse for the notion that 
your interest in people begins only when they are sick, 
and ceases when they get out of bed and become ordinary 
people once more. 

A word of warning should be spoken concerning con- 
tagious and infectious diseases. It may seem brave and 
self-forgetful to go where such diseases are. Moreover, 
it may seem cruel and unfeeling to stay away. But the 
safety of the many ought to be considered before the feel- 
ings of the individual, and for the sake of other families 
and of the community at large, all who are not directly 
concerned should be kept away from cases of contagious 
disease. 

Hospital Visiting. — The increasing number of hos- 
pitals under the supervision of Methodist organizations 
makes it possible for many Chapters to do beautiful 
Christian work in visiting the patients under treatment. 
Many hospitals arrange for regular visits of this sort, 
sometimes on Sunday afternoons, when a religious serv- 
ice can be planned for. 

In such cases, the department should secure the at- 



THE WOI^K OE MERCY AND HELP. 243 



tendance of a number who will take part in the service 
— some who will sing, and one or two who will speak 
briefly. At the close of the more formal service, which 
will probably be attended by all the patients who are able 
to be brought into the general meeting-place, the workers 
may make brief personal calls at the bedsides. Many a 
man and woman are nearer to decisions that will change 
the whole direction of their lives in time of sickness than 
at other times, and the earnest, loving presentation of the 
Saviour who heals the sorest of all sickness, the sickness 
of the soul, will very often result in genuine conversions. 

Remembering the Shut-ins. — A correspondent sends 
the following plan, which was used with great success by 
one Chapter : 

Just before Christmas the Mercy and Help Depart- 
ment made a careful count of the old and shut-in mem- 
bers of the Church, and found about twenty-eight per- 
sons who, for various reasons, should be remembered. 

They then obtained Perry pictures, the five-cent size, 
which are beautifully printed in brown tints on very fine 
paper. An accommodating picture-dealer cut mounts of 
dark mat board. When the pictures were mounted on 
these they presented a very fine appearance, and the en- 
tire cost was only ten cents apiece. 

The subjects were carefully selected, and included 
Bodenhausen's "Madonna," "Christ in the Temple," 
"Christ and the Children," "The Good Shepherd," and 
"The Angelus." 

Each picture was carefully wrapped in white paper, 
and directed to the one to whom the subject seemed best 
suited. With each went a card of Christmas greeting. 
To a dear old blind lady was sent a sachet envelope in- 
stead of a picture. They were delivered early Christmas 
morning by four bright boys of the Junior League. 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Many were the expressions of pleasure which these 
remembrances evoked. A lady who was dying, but still 
conscious, received a copy of "The Good Shepherd." She 
had it hung on the wall by her bed, where she gazed at it 
and spoke about it until she passed away, seemingly com- 
forted by its presence. 

The Stranger in Your Town. — In visiting strangers 
it is possible to make the call a real pleasure to its re- 
cipients. Do not try to disguise the object of the visit. 
Let it be understood that you came, first, because these 
people are strangers ; second, because you believe that 
your Church and Chapter can be of some service to them. 
Very few people will resent a call made thus frankly. 
Most people, indeed, will gladly and gratefully welcome 
visitors. By tactful and considerate inquiry learn a few 
facts about new-comers. For example, are they regular 
Church attendants ? If not, do they attend Church occa- 
sionally? Where? Are the children of the home in the 
Sunday-school ? Are the older children also in the Young 
People's Society? If not, can they be secured? Is there 
any sickness in the family? Are there any needs which 
can be supplied by the officers of the Chapter? The in- 
formation will give you your bearings. It will disclose 
the conditions surrounding the newcomers. 

Getting Acquainted. — It is sometimes difficult to know 
how to make the approach when calling upon strangers. 
It must be confessed that the house-to-house method, ex- 
cept in small communities, where the people are well 
known to each other, is not a great success. In the first 
place, it advertises itself as a wholesale method of doing 
business, and people do not like to be dealt with by whole- 
sale. The sight of two visitors plainly official, parading 
solemnly up one side of the street and down the other* 



THE WORK OF MERCY AND HELP. 



is sufficient to dispel all feelings of welcome from the 
hearts of those who live on that street. 

But, fortunately, it is rarely necessary to resort to 
this mechanical method. On nearly every Sunday 
strangers may be found in every church in a town of any 
considerable size. A greeting at the close of the Church 
service gives an admirable opportunity for the expression 
of a desire to call, if such attention would be appreciated. 
It may be that there are children in the Sunday-school 
whose parents do not attend any Church. In such a case 
the children's relation to the Sunday-school will furnish 
a natural and sufficient introduction. Common sense can 
often bring together Church people and the people they 
are seeking to help. The pastor may have been notified 
when Church members changed their place of residence. 
Of course he will call, and he may furnish the name and 
address to the Visiting Committee. In such cases the 
simple statement that this has been done will be sufficient 
introduction. 

Do not visit the members of other Churches in any 
sort of official fashion. You may disclaim all intentions 
of influencing them, but you are almost certain to be 
misunderstood, your actions are likely to be misinter- 
preted, and not much, if any, good can be accomplished. 

Necessitous Cases. — The Mercy and Help Depart- 
ment is not an organization for the relief of paupers. It 
should avoid in every possible way the suspicion that it 
is a mere charitable society. And one of the things that 
must be especially avoided is the taint of professional 
poor-relief. Leave the word "poor" out of the vocabulary 
of the department. "Poor boxes," and "dinners for the 
poor," and "clothing for the poor," and all other things 
bearing such special labels are disastrous, and spoil the 



246 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



work of the department. This is not saying that people 
who need money and clothing and food are to be over- 
looked, but they are to be treated not as "poor," but as 
members of the family of God, brethren and sisters of 
our common life. 

Perhaps the most difficult work of visiting is that un- 
dertaken in behalf of those who are in need of material 
help. Usually those who are the most deserving are the 
least willing that their needs should be made known, and 
the most reluctant to advertise their needs in person. The 
utmost tact and judgment are required to make such vis- 
iting successful, and yet it is perhaps the most important 
form of visiting that many Chapters can attempt. Put 
friendliness and Christian interest first. Let it be under- 
stood that your offer of material aid is prompted not only 
by the existence of need, but by your own personal in- 
terest in the matter. The Mercy and Help Department of 
the Epworth League is not a charity organization. Its 
members are not unofficial poor commissioners. The 
whole movement is a religious one, and the great claim 
which the poor have upon you is not simply their poverty, 
but their relation to our common Lord. They are, or may 
become, brothers and sisters in the family of God. 

< Visiting Betzveen Chapters. — The Mercy and Help 
Department may arrange for a series of inter-chapter 
visits that will strengthen and emphasize the connectional 
bond of the Church. Assignments may be made so that 
two members shall go each week to some other Chapter, 
especially in cities or towns where Chapters are numer- 
ous, and within easy reach of one another. It may even 
be possible to arrange a plan of inter-chapter visitation 
by which an entire scheme covering six months or a year 
may be reduced to a schedule. These visits will accom- 
plish much good. Each delegation will see the work of 



THE WORK OF MERCY AND HELP. 



another Chapter moving under ordinary conditions. The 
plan cultivates the spirit of fellowship, and of sympathy 
with the difficulties and obstacles which are found in large 
or small numbers in every place. 

This inter-chapter visitation will be found a great 
help, also, to the backward ones among the members. 
It may be easily possible that a member whose voice has 
never been heard in the home Chapter will learn to speak 
in a religious meeting by standing up in a strange place 
as representative of the Chapter from which he or she 
has come. 

To What Purpose? 

All this Mercy and Help is worth all it costs, for its 
own sake. It is a beautiful and Christly thing to comfort 
the sorrowing, feed the hungry, heal the sick, relieve the 
distressed, clothe the naked, and raise the fallen. Every 
form of Mercy and Help ministry is its own reward, and 
needs no other. But there is another. Wherever such 
work is wisely and unselfishly done, it reacts on the 
League, the Church, and the Kingdom. People who have 
come under the gracious influence of the Mercy and Help 
work are more ready to be won for Christ than at any 
other time. This work rightly done, should be a constant 
feeder of the Chapter and the Church. It should be a 
steady help the year round, and especially effective dur- 
ing times of revival. 

THE REGIONS BEYOND. 

The needy are in one place; those who lack nothing 
are in another. That is a fact of modern life which 
must be reckoned with. In some places there are un- 
numbered populations incapable of bettering themselves 
without help. In other places there are those who have 



248 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



abundance of possessions and access to many forms of 
ministration. 

One great problem of our day is the problem of bring- 
ing the Good Samaritan and his "neighbor" together. 
They do not live in the same part of the town; perhaps 
not in the same part of the State. But for the sake of 
both they must be brought together. 

The chief means by which this can be done is the en- 
couragement and support of the work being carried on 
where the need is greatest. 

Hospitals. — Our deaconesses and other workers con- 
trol each year an increasing number of hospitals. These 
are of the most useful sort ; much of the work they do is 
entirely free, because the patients have no money with 
which to pay for treatment. Therefore the hospital must 
depend for its support largely on people other than its 
patients. 

The Mercy and Help Departments of rural Chap- 
ters, or of those city Chapters remote from the hospi- 
tal, should have a share in this work. 

The needs of a hospital are almost infinite ; but money 
will satisfy most of them. Some Chapters are so sit- 
uated that they can provide supplies of various sorts, and 
there is no better place to send them than to a Methodist 
hospital. The products of the farm and garden, of work 
done by devoted hands, and miscellaneous gifts of many 
sorts, are always welcome. But money is the most wel- 
come gift of all. A barrel of potatoes is good, but it af- 
fords no help in paying last month's gas bill, which may 
sometimes become a more important question than the 
potato problem. These remarks apply with equal force, 
of course, to all forms of the "donation." Concerning 
the donation idea one caution will apply to all its varie- 
ties: Do not purchase in the open market the things you 



THE WORK OF MERCY AND HELP. 



give to charitable institutions. The same money can be 
much more wisely expended by those in charge of the 
institution. They are entirely trustworthy, and their 
knowledge of the situation means much. There are times 
in such an institution when a silver dollar is worth more 
than ten gallons of pickles. 

If gifts other than money are more accessible, be sure 
that those who are in charge of the institution are con- 
sulted before anything is sent to them. Give them a 
chance to inspect larder and linen closet, and to make a 
statement of the sort of gifts they need. And always pay 
the freight. 

Homes for the Aged. — The foregoing paragraphs of 
this section also apply very largely to the help which may 
be afforded to Homes for the Aged. In addition to the 
regular supplies, these homes have constant use for the 
little "homey" things that old people enjoy, and yet which 
do not come under the head of absolute necessities. Every 
family which is fortunate enough to possess grandpar- 
ents has discovered the amiable and simple whims which 
cost little but which mean much for the convenience and 
comfort of elderly people. Their rooms are furnished, it 
is true, but a flower or a picture, or a work-bag, or a pin- 
cushion, or a book-shelf, or a newspaper holder, or slip- 
pers, or any one of a hundred other things, would make 
those rooms even more like home than they are now. 

Children's Homes. — We are learning that the child is 
entitled to a home. If it has none, and comes into Meth- 
odist hands, we have in part accepted the duty of finding 
a home for it. 

The ideal home is the one which shelters a normal 
family, with father, mother, and children of the same 
blood. When a child has missed or lost such a home, 
he ought to have the best possible substitute for it. And 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



because it is after all only a substitute, we should "make 
it up" to him in every way possible. As in other cases, 
the managers of our Children's Homes are always in need 
of money. The work is pure charity, with no productive 
resources to provide an income. It must be supported 
from without. 

Many Chapters can best share in the work of these 
Homes by determining to make an annual offering to 
their support. After the money has been provided, noth- 
ing that children eat, wear, or otherwise use comes amiss 
in such a home. Soap, stockings, sugar, salt, sheets, are a 
few things which one letter of the alphabet suggests, and 
the other twenty-five will help to make a long and won- 
derfully suggestive catalogue. 

There are many other enterprises which deserve, and, 
indeed, must have, such support as has been indicated 
here. The institutional Churches of the slums, the homes 
of the Woman's Home Missionary Society in various 
parts of the South and elsewhere, the neighborhood set- 
tlements, the deaconess homes, and all the other forms 
of Christian ministration, are not and can not be self- 
supporting. But they must be supported. And in many 
cases the one agency best fitted to help in their support 
is the Mercy and Help Department of the Epworth 
League. 

"First catch your hare." Select the institution you 
desire to help. If you have no choice, get the Year Book 
of the Church and the reports of the various institutions. 
The Year Book will tell you where to secure the reports. 
In selecting your institution, bear in mind these four 
things : 

I. Others things being equal, help the one nearest 
you. That reduces freight bills, as well as secures greater 
interest in the work. 



THE WORK OE MERCY AND HELP. 251 

2. Consider any special resources at the command of 
your Chapter. You may be able to help a hospital more 
readily than an orphanage. 

3. With due regard to other considerations, seek to 
help the institution whose needs are greatest and most 
urgent. 

4. Institutions or individuals, perhaps remote, but so 
situated that local aid for them is insufficient or unattain- 
able, should be especially remembered. In this class are 
immigrant homes, homes and schools in the South, or 
among specially needy classes of people elsewhere, hospi- 
tals, and other institutions in the congested centers of the 
great cities, not forgetting the heroic preachers and other 
workers on the picket-line of the Church's work. 

A Few General Suggestions. - 

Do n't sent a check or give a dollar when you ought 
to go yourself. 

Many districts are taking up fresh-air work, the city 
and country Chapters co-operating. 

One Chapter sends a copy of "Intra Muros" to those 
whose homes have been bereaved. 

One Chapter has a regular engagement to hold meet- 
ings once a month at the Old Ladies' Home. 

A good thing for a country Chapter to undertake is 
the repair and maintenance of the parsonage. 

There is a box in one church vestibule marked 
"Mercy and Help." It is as good as the old poor-box, 
and the name is more thoughtful. 

The Mercy and Help Department in one Chapter does 
the work of the old-fashioned Dorcas Society, making 
clothes for poor children. 

One Chapter spent $30 on an invalid chair, and loans 



252 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 

it to those who would otherwise be shut in. It is a pay- 
ing investment. 

One Second Vice-President spent four weeks in one 
home nursing, and three weeks in another, caring for the 
children while the mother was in the hospital. 

Call on the well-to-do, as well as on the poor folk. 
Some people in good circumstances are in need of you 
quite as much as the so-called "unchurched masses." 

On one district some country Chapters which had 
few calls for relief work sent boxes of clothing in to a 
city Chapter which knew just what to do with them. 

Money for Mercy and Help work is raised in one 
Chapter by the earning of a minimum of fifty cents on 
the part of each one who can be interested in the work. 
The usual experience social adds zest and brightness to 
the plan. 

The Mercy and Help Department which has three or 
four people ready and willing to sing at funerals will be 
a blessing to the pastor, especially if he has many funerals 
to conduct among people who are not connected with 
the Church. 

During the scarcity of vegetables one fall there came 
a plea for some help from the Omaha Methodist Hospi- 
tal. One Chapter held a "vegetable sociable." Price of 
admission, vegetables. A four-bushel barrel was filled 
without difficulty. 

The Mercy and Help Committee of a Rhode Island 
Chapter called on a happy veteran preacher on his eighty- 
ninth birthday. The pastor went also, and what with 
prayer, song, and a few birthday reminders, the call was 
a most delightful event. 

A saloon-keeper wanted to open up near a church. 
The League Chapter, together with the pastor of a neigh- 
boring Presbyterian Church, made such a vigorous pro- 



THE WORK OK MERCY AND HELP. 



test that the saloon people said, "These people made it 
too hot for us," and withdrew their petition. 

The flower-mission work is worth all the money it 
costs. But it can be extended and managed at less ex- 
pense if the Chapter can plan for a flower garden or a 
greenhouse of its own. Plants can be loaned from this 
greenhouse, and returned to be ready for further service. 

One Junior League keeps the church lawn in order. 
In the center of the lawn is a circular flower bed, in 
which foliage plants are arranged in the form of the 
League badge. Around this design is a collection of 
plants which furnishes flowers for the Mercy and Help 
Department. 

A group of Epworthians drove out to the country one 
summer afternoon to a "fruit-canning." The fruit was 
donated by the host, and the cans furnished by the Chap- 
ter. The afternoon was delightfully spent, refreshments 
being served after the serious business of putting up the 
fruit was over. The nearest Methodist hospital was en- 
riched by a goodly shipment of most acceptable fruit. 

A school for colored children in South Carolina was 
sorely in need of a library. It had 300 students and no 
books. The facts came to the knowledge of a Mercy 
and Help Department in Wisconsin, and the gift of one 
volume or more from each member of the Chapter formed 
the nucleus of what will shortly be a fine library. That 
is fruitful home missionary work. 

One Mercy and Help Department circulates subscrip- 
tion cards among the business men, asking an annual sub- 
scription of goods from their stock. When need for any 
of these supplies arises the subscription card is presented 
by the chairman, and the amount of goods supplied is 
entered on the back of the card. This is a simple and sat- 
isfactory way of keeping the account. 



254 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



The hardest day in almost every home is Saturday, 
when all the little folks are out of school, and the mother 
finds much work and worry. Her cares would be light- 
ened if a few young people would give a little time to 
the children. Gather them in the church vestry for two 
hours for their amusement. The time will pass pleasantly 
for the little folks, and may easily be made helpful and 
instructive. How much it will mean to the overburdened 
mothers only they can tell. 

A thoughtful Second Vice-President provides a sup- 
ply of quilts and bed-linen with which to supplement the 
stock in homes where sickness has made unusual drafts 
on the linen closet. The quilts for this purpose are pieced 
by old ladies who are glad to find a way in which they 
can be of service. The friend who has tried this plan 
says : ''I have been out on two cases of typhoid fever 
where I took this course. I always carry a few delicacies 
for the sick, and some flowers, which speak words we 
never know how to say." 

A good plan for systematic visiting : Print small cards 
with blanks for particulars of the people who are to be 
visited, — name, address, Church relation, etc. On the 
reverse of the cards provide a blank for dates of visits 
and names of as many visitors — five or ten — as may be 
willing to make these calls. The blanks on the front of 
these cards are filled out from the lists of people needing 
visits. Give the cards to the members of the Visiting 
Committee. Each one, after making a call, notes the date 
on the back of the proper card, and signs it. The cards 
are exchanged among the group of visitors until all have 
made calls, which will be shown by the date blanks having 
all been filled out. 

Keep a directory of places where various sorts of 
gifts will be acceptable and wisely used. For example, 



THE WORK OK MERCY AND HELP. 255 



discover where cast-off clothing can be used, where pic- 
tures, magazines, Sunday-school cards, canned and fresh 
fruits, flowers, and hospital supplies are desired. There 
are scores of institutions within reach of many Chapters 
which would be delighted to secure one or more of these 
forms of supplies, and most of these things are within 
easy reach of the Chapters themselves. 

In planning gifts or dinners on holidays do not fall 
into the old rut. There are new ways of doing these 
things. The Salvation Army is a pioneer in the furnish- 
ing of Christmas dinners, but it is not therefore necessary 
for the Chapter to provide dinners on such days in ex- 
actly the same form employed by the Army. The dinner 
is not the main thing in many cases. If it is daintily 
served and is accompanied by the marks of personal and 
individual attention, a smaller quantity of provisions will 
do more good than the bulky ''feed" provided by whole- 
sale. 

This department can do a much appreciated work by 
subscribing for The Bpworth Herald, the Advocates, and 
other papers in behalf of members who are not able to 
subscribe for themselves. Subscriptions that will carry 
blessings with them may be made in behalf of frontier 
preachers. If the Chapter is helping to support a mis j 
sionary on the Station Plan a subscription to The Bp- 
worth Herald in that missionary's name will be a delight- 
ful and appropriate gift. 

Much has been said about carriages for the aged on 
Old Folk's Day. This plan of getting out the aged per- 
sons in the community is a good one. Why limit it to 
Old People's Day? Start an Epworth League carriage 
for the special benefit of the aged Christians. Let it be 
in operation every Sunday morning, gathering a few who 
could not otherwise come to the sanctuary. In many 



256 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



places this can be done without expense, if the members 
of the Chapter will take turns in playing coachman, 
and if the work is planned systematically so that the bur- 
den does not fall too heavily on a few. A variation of 
this method in the case of down-town Churches is the 
use of a Sunday-school wagonette, which gathers up the 
smaller children from the remotest homes, and carries 
them to and from Sunday-school. 

Another mode of gracious helpfulness in connection 
with the Church service is the Epworth League nursery. 
If there is a room somewhat isolated from the auditorium, 
two or three members of the department can fit it up 
simply so that they may take charge of the smaller chil- 
dren who are brought to church. Simple kindergarten 
work may be done, or interesting stories told. Even 
the babies can be taken care of, with a little planning. 
This idea makes it possible for mothers to come to church 
who could not think of coming if they had to face the 
ordeal of caring for the little ones throughout the Church 
service and who have no facilities for leaving the chil- 
dren at home. A variation of this plan sends a committee 
from the department to the homes where there are small 
children, just before the evening service. Then the par- 
ents, neither of whom may care to go to Church without 
the other, can go with quiet minds, leaving the Epworth- 
ians in charge of the home. The children can be put to 
bed, or if they are old enough, they can be entertained 
until the parents return. 

Many people who can not come regularly to Epworth 
League or Sunday-school would be glad to use the li- 
braries of these organizations. Let the Mercy and Help 
Department manage the circulating feature of the library. 

Provide a fruit-cellar for the use of the department. 
A canvass of the housewives at canning-time will, in 



THE WORK OF MERCY AND HELP. 257 

most cases, secure the promise of one-tenth of the fruit 
for the Lord's work. Gather it up, put it in a safe place 
where it will be available through the winter as needed. 

There may be a boy or girl in your neighborhood who 
ought to go to college, and who could go if only the hard 
pull of the start were safely over. The department might 
start one of its members to school without giving offense 
to the most sensitive feelings, if it were done as a co- 
operative effort. Make it a partnership affair. Insist that 
you are going to get as much good out of it as the direct 
beneficiary. Then pack the trunk or provide some of 
the things that, while necessary to the beginning of col- 
lege life, seem to be out of the reach of the prospective 
college student. 

City Chapters have occasional opportunities to do 
unusual sorts of work. Sunday morning breakfasts for 
men have been successfully given by some. The break- 
fast is served at such a time that makes it possible to give 
all those who partake an opportunity to attend a morning 
evangelistic meeting. Sometimes these breakfasts are 
conducted in connection with a morning Sunday-school, 
and the men who have been fed are invited and urged to 
remain for the Sunday-school session. 

The public institutions of the city offer an inviting 
held for work. The various charitable homes, the hos- 
pitals, the prisons, the orphanages, are so many oppor- 
tunities for Mercy and Help work. Of course if this 
work is attempted, it must begin by securing the cordial 
co-operation and support of the authorities. Religious 
meetings may be held, personal work done wherever pos- 
sible, and the more material side of Mercy and Help 
work put into play, as opportunity offers. For instance, 
in visiting a hospital, flowering plants, small yet beautiful, 
may be secured for each patient. At the holidays, Christ- 
17 



258 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



mas, New Year's, Easter, Thanksgiving, simple but taste- 
ful cards may be provided for all the residents of the in- 
stitution. The work is not out of place nor morbid, even 
when done in connection with jails or prisons. 

Of course in such cases sensible Epworthians under- 
stand that it is neither patriotic nor religious to express 
sympathy for the afflictions of the wrong-doer while los- 
ing sight of his moral condition. 

The country also has opportunities for special service. 
The comparative cheapness and availability of fruit and 
produce make such gifts easy to the country Chapter. In 
the late summer and early fall, by co-operation with city 
Chapters, shipments of fresh fruit may be sent to those 
to whom it will be an unwonted luxury. A hen and her 
brood may be cared for through the summer, with 
Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners in mind for these 
city dwellers, discovered by the Chapter in town, to whom 
the provisions will be a grateful and much-needed sur- 
prise. 

Canned fruit may be prepared for hospitals, for dea- 
coness homes, and other institutions which have large 
need of such provisions, and small incomes. Many of 
these institutions will provide the cans in any quantity. 

A word as to shipment of such gifts. Let the shipper 
pay the freight. Sometimes a barrel of fruit, coming 
to the city hospital whose finances are sadly overtaxed, is 
an embarrassing gift, because the freight charges are not 
easy to pay. 

In cases of sickness the Chapter may occasionally do 
good service by providing voluntary nurses and watchers. 
But there are many cases where a professional nurse is 
greatly needed, while the family pocketbook will not pro- 
vide such a luxury. Then the Chapter can be especially 
useful. In the same way a doctor may be secured when 



THE WORK OF MERCY AXD HELP. 259 

otherwise medical help would be out of the question. 
Doctors and nurses will usually be glad to make special 
terms in such cases, and to share the privilege of service 
with the people's society. 

What Can I Do? 

That is a question which is frequently asked by diffi- 
dent Epworthians. especially the young girls who have 
recently been graduated into the senior organization from 
the Junior League. Here are a few suggestions borrowed 
from the Silver Cross, which may help to solve the prob- 
lem, at least for this latter class : 

Work for the Xeedle. — Comforters., quilts, aprons for 
sale; nightshirts for hospitals: dolls, canton flannel ani- 
mals, bags, comfort bags, cushions, book-marks, shoulder 
wraps, sunbonnets and hoods, towels, handkerchiefs, 
night sacques. foot warmers, protectors for cold knees, 
wristlets, tray cloths, napkins, screens., wash cloths, 
sheets, pillows, and pillow slips for hospitals, children's 
dresses, infant's slips, petticoats, blankets, etc.. pin cush- 
ions, bags for Christmas-trees, plain or in shapes ; dusting 
caps, scrap bags, maternity bags, mending bags. 

Care for the Sick. — Supplying dainties, as jellies, 
blanc-mange. beef tea bouillon, clam, mutton, or chicken 
broth ; sponge cake, dainty biscuits or crackers : sliced 
tongue, oranges, strawberries, ice cream, custards, eggs. 
\\ aiting on them, reading, writing letters, taking them to 
ride. 

Fresh-air Work. 

Fresh-air work is the most practical form of Chris- 
tianity that can be attempted in a great many places dur- 
ing the summer months. With a little planning the work 
may be done, easily and effectively, by hundreds of Chap- 
ters in every part of the country wherever there is a city 



2 6o EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



large enough to have a considerable population in con- 
gested areas. The raw material for fresh-air work is 
present in large abundance; children whose only play- 
ground is the street, and who know nothing of the de- 
lights of the open field, the clear sky, and the free life 
of the farm. About these cities there are great stretches 
of God's country, with small towns, villages, and farms 
radiating in every direction from the populous center. 
The territory within a hundred miles of any of these 
cities is available for fresh-air work. 

The proper prosecution of fresh-air work requires the 
co-operation of one or more city Chapters with one or 
more Chapters in the country. The work is especially 
adapted, on the city side, to city Epworth League unions, 
whose officers can direct and supervise the work. The 
city Chapter's work is twofold — to find the children who 
need the outing, and to find the money for their trans- 
portation to and from the country. Incidentally, of 
course, the city Chapters will provide one or more guar- 
dians for the journey. The country Chapters have their 
share of the work in finding homes at which the city chil- 
dren will be welcome for one or two weeks as guests. 
Then, after all arrangements have been completed, and 
the children have come, the country Epworthians will 
meet them at the station and distribute them to the homes 
that are waiting to receive them. At the close of the 
specified period the children will be gathered together and 
escorted back to town. 

This process may be repeated two or three times dur- 
ing the summer months. It is best, when possible, to pro- 
vide a new list of homes for each batch of children, lest 
the work prove too burdensome on a few. Circumstances 
in individual cases will determine how much or how little 
supervision of the children is necessary after they have 



THE WORK OE MERCY AND HELP. 261 



reached the homes provided for them. In some cases 
nothing else will need to be done. In others the Chapters 
may find it wise to have picnics, entertainments, and other 
diversions for the children. 

A variation of the plan is possible where there is a 
village containing available vacant houses. Let one of 
these houses be cleaned and provided with the simple fur- 
niture needed. Canvass the neighborhood for these ar- 
ticles. They may usually be secured from members and 
friends for the period covered by the outing. Where this 
plan is adopted a guardian should accompany the chil- 
dren from the city, and members of the country Chapter 
will take turns in helping the children's guardian to care 
for her lively and irrepressible charges. 

A few simple rules need to be observed in the conduct 
of fresh-air work. 

Be sure that the children are not suffering from any 
contagious disease, however slight it may seem, when 
they are sent to the country. Insist that they and their 
clothes shall be clean when the journey is begun. 

Do not give them money, either before or during their 
journey, or during their stay in the country. Money is 
the last thing they need. 

Send an older person with each group of children to 
care for them on the journey and to see that they are de- 
livered into the proper hands at the journey's end. 

The correspondence between the country and city 
Chapters interested in this work should begin early in 
the season, and everything should be fully planned before 
the actual work begins. A careful record should be kept 
of every child who is to go into the country, giving name, 
sex, date when the trip is to begin, destination, and 
length of the stay. At the same time a careful canvass 
should be made by the country Chapters of all the avail- 



262 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



able homes within reach, noting name, address, nearest 
railroad station, number of children who will be received, 
age, sex, number of days they will be cared for, date of 
beginning of their stay. 

In the canvass for money to pay railroad fares, the 
Chapters remote from the congested districts of the city 
should be given their full share of the work. Do not 
leave that burden to the down-town Churches and the 
Missions. It is as important to the remotest Churches 
that this work should be done as it is to those down-town, 
and the entire problem ought to be attacked by methods 
which are in the highest sense co-operative. 

Vacation Advice. 

In the early part of summer, Rev. Russell H. Conwell, 
D. D., pastor of the Temple, distributed slips with the 
following practical advice, which the members of the 
various societies put into practice during the summer va 
cation months : 

"Attend services somewhere every Sunday. 

"Seek out and visit the bereaved, the sick, the sor- 
rowing, the destitute, the 'shut-ins/ etc. 

"Send flowers, comforting notes, cards, or messages 
even to those who can not walk. 

"Use rolling chairs or other available conveyances for 
those who can not walk. 

"Draw on diet kitchens, dispensaries, ice and milk dis- 
tributions, for the comfort of the needy sick. 

"Gather children into temporary classes for Bible 
study. 

"Hunt up raised-letter books for the blind, trumpets 
for the deaf, crutches for the lame, dainties for the sick, 
perfumes, disinfectants, and other useful appliances. 



THE WORK OF MERCY AND HEEP. 263 



"Hunt up toys for the children, and invent amuse- 
ments and games for them. 

"Get up lawn parties, clipping parties, phonograph 
parties, straw rides, omnibus parties, etc., for children, 
whether rich or poor. 

"'Send baskets of provisions to needy ones about you. 

"Encourage summer kindergartens." 

Tract Distribution. 

Tract distribution is a very old form of Christian 
work. If it is successfully done nowadays it must be 
done in a new way. Many of the old tracts are hope- 
lessly out of date, at least as to their form. The new 
tract is an attractive, well-printed, well-written, bright 
bit of literature. Its distribution must be according to 
its theme. There is no place where tact is more de- 
manded than in this work. One should use ordinary 
good judgment. Do not give tracts on the dangers of 
wealth to people whom you find in the poor-house, and 
do not carry a supply of tracts denouncing extravagance 
in dress when you visit the tenement-house section of 
your town. The young people do not care for a tract on 
the consolations of the Gospel in old age. Nor do the 
old people, as a rule, need tracts which illustrate the dan- 
gers of questionable amusements. 

Read all the tracts you purpose distributing before 
you start out with them. Many tracts ought not to be 
circulated at all. They are unhealthy, abnormal, morbid. 
There are enough available which are healthy and wise 
and winning, so that the other kind need not ever be used. 
The Tract Society's catalogue will reveal a large num- 
ber that are available for many forms of distribution. 
Get copies of special issues in quantities for special dis- 
tribution. Put them in the boxes at railway station wait- 



264 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



mg-rooms. Then watch these boxes. Do not let them 
get empty. 

In the distribution of magazines and papers a little 
system will be a great help. The work will not continue 
more than two or three weeks unless some system is 
adopted. A corps of carriers should be organized. Use 
the Juniors for this work. First let them canvass the 
community with a card containing a question something 

like this : "Will you permit the carrier from the 

Epworth League Chapter to leave a paper or magazine 
with you each week ?" or month, as the case may be. On 
the lines underneath this question the persons canvassed 
are asked to write their names and addresses. Arrange 
these cards into routes. Give each carrier a dozen or so 
and ask him to do the work on Saturday or Sunday af- 
ternoon. Get a rubber stamp and use it on every piece of 
literature sent out. Let it read, "With the compliments 

of Epworth League Chapter." Then there 

will be no question as to the source from whence this lit- 
erature has come, and you will impress the existence of 
your Chapter upon the minds of those who might never 
hear of it in any other way. 

Literature of many sorts is very acceptable, not only 
in homes, but in public institutions and other places where 
many persons are compelled to spend much time. Hos- 
pitals are glad for literature for the use of their convales- 
cents. Sailors' homes, rest rooms for street railroad men 
and other classes of workers, find a constant demand for 
almost any kind of literature. Then the charitable insti- 
tutions of various sorts, and even the prisons, are con- 
stantly calling for reading matter of unquestionable moral 
character. But it need not — must not — be confined to 
sermons, tracts, and reports of religious organizations. 

The barber shops of a community are sadly lacking in 



THE WORK OF MERCY AND HELP. 265 



good literature. They have altogether too much of the 
other kind. Current issues of The Bpworth Herald and 
other papers of like character, would do much to coun- 
teract the influence of the stuff that is usually found on 
the barber-shop table. 

There is need of a reform in the matter of providing 
literature at railway stations. Oftentimes the news- 
paper pocket which hangs so invitingly on the walls of 
waiting-rooms is entirely empty for weeks together. At 
other times it contains a beggarly supply of unattractive 
material. Change all that. Keep the wall-pocket full, 
if it takes three visits a week to do it. The oftener it is 
emptied, the more certain you may be that it is doing its 
work properly. Put good, wholesome reading into the 
pocket. Satisfy yourself, whatever this literature may 
be externally, that at heart it is positively on the side of 
Christianity and the Church. 

To make an envelope library for the use of the visit- 
ing committee, take ten envelopes, and put either a short 
story, an essay, or illustrated article in each. Lay the 
envelopes lengthwise before you, and rule off a space at 
the top in which to write the words "Envelope Library 
No. 1," "Envelope Library No. 2," and so on through the 
series of ten. Rule off a space at the bottom in which to 
write the name of the story or article, and the author's 
name. When the envelopes are filled, tie the ten to- 
gether with a ribbon and send them where they will do 
the most good. For use in hospitals these packages of 
stories have proved very satisfactory. Weary conva- 
lescents, and especially those never visited by friends, 
are not only pleased with the gift, but are relieved from 
the fatigue that accompanies the holding of a heavy book 
or magazine. 



266 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



The Flower Mission. 

The work of the Flower Mission is mostly associated 
with the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and es- 
pecially with that blessed pioneer of flower and mission 
work, Miss Jennie Cassidy. After she had begun the 
Louisville Flower Mission as an independent movement, 
Miss Frances E. Willard, visiting Louisville at the time of 
the national convention of the Union, saw the beauty and 
possibilities of the work. She proposed the establishment 
of a flower mission department of the Woman's Chris- 
tian' Temperance Union, and Miss Cassidy was made 
superintendent. 

But this work need not be confined to any one organi- 
zation. It has a beautiful fitness to the aims and pur- 
poses of the Epworth League. Tt seeks to bring the 
comforting and uplifting influences of the flowers to every 
one who can be helped by them. The flowers speak of 
their Maker when more direct speech might be misunder- 
stood or resented. 

Flower mission work can be done in every sort of 
community. It disarms prejudice and creates a favorable 
sentiment for the cause in which it is used, besides being 
a benefit in itself. 

The Chapter should make flower mission work prom- 
inent at some springtime meeting, when the flowers are 
at their best. Then the work may be explained, and 
sympathy for it and interest in it be enlisted. Stories 
of the simple and' yet beautiful ministry of the flowers 
should be told. 

The chairman of the Flower Committee can find a 
large variety of ways in which to work. Ask members 
to bring flowers to the regular meetings of the Chapter. 
They will serve to decorate the room, and will provide 
without cost flowers for the sick and the shut-in. 



THE WORK OE MERCY AND HELP. 267 



Raise flowers. Give a package of seeds to as many 
Epworthians as will take them. Few" people, even in 
the cities, are so situated that they can not find a few feet 
of earth to be used in this way. It might be practicable 
sometimes to give each member the responsibility of cul- 
tivating a certain kind of flower. 

The flower mission can render permanent service to 
the Church and community by planting vines where they 
can climb over unsightly walls ; by planting trees where 
shade would be a delight and a blessing; by the encour- 
agement of nature study, by the celebration of Arbor-day, 
by the cultivation of vacant lots, and other methods of 
permanently beautifying and utilizing such resources in 
the community. Let the chairman of the committee 
make friends with the florists. There are many times 
when the florist is glad to give flowers, if. he can be 
assured that such a kindness will not hurt his regular 
trade. At other times he will be willing to sell flowers 
to Epworthians at a very much smaller rate than the 
regular price. 

The ways of using the flowers secured by the com- 
mittee will differ very largely in different places. Of 
course they will be sent always to the sick. They will 
be placed on the pulpit. A bouquet on the pastor's table 
at prayer-meeting will be a welcome sight. They will 
be carried to hospitals, prisons, orphanages, and other 
places where their presence will bring cheer and hope. 
The country Chapters may do a large business in send- 
ing flowers to the city Chapters at regular intervals for 
distribution. This can be arranged by a little preliminary 
correspondence before the season opens. The District 
Third Vice-President may perhaps suggest this co-op- 
erative work to the Chapters which are so situated as 
to do it. In some cases the express companies will carry 



268 EP WORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



flowers free, or at a merely nominal rate, when they are 
to be used in the flower mission work. 

A Fall Mercy and Help Program. 

Speak of the plans perfected for the winter's work. 
It is just possible no definite plans have been made. In 
that case, can you not induce the department to con- 
sider the matter before the meeting so that progress can 
be reported ? Then the co-operation of the whole Chapter 
can be asked for. 

Sing such hymns as "There are lonely hearts to 
cherish;" "Brother, for Christ's kingdom sighing;" 
"Work, for the night is coming ;" "One more day's work 
for Jesus;" "Saved to serve." 

Look over your field to discover, if possible, some 
opportunity for real helpfulness that is within reach of 
your Chapter. Of course, you will not forget the or- 
ganized benevolences and philanthropies, such as orphan- 
ages, hospitals, aged people's homes, deaconess centers, 
home and [city mission work, and others. Each of these 
can use a great variety of things, and all of them have 
constant need for more money. 

"But these ought ye to have done, and not to 
leave the other undone." After all the long-distance 
helpfulness has been given there remains yet a mar- 
gin of obligation. Look over your own com- 
munity, your own Church, your own Chapter, and 
see if there is not some hitherto unused oppor- 
tunity for beautiful and helpful service. And, having 
found it, show it to the Chapter at this meeting. Take 
for your text the words of the Master Helper: "Say 
not ye, there are yet four months, and then cometh 
harvest? Behold, I say unto you, lift up your eyes and 
look on the fields ; for they are white already to harvest. 



THE WORK OF MERCY AND HELP. 269 



And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit 
unto life eternal ; that both he that soweth and he that 
reapeth may rejoice together.'' 

THE TEMPERANCE CRUSADE. 

The Local Constitution of the Epworth League reads 
as follows : "It [the Department of [Mercy and Help] 
shall promote, whenever possible, campaigns of temper- 
ance reform, the signing of the temperance pledge, and 
circulation of temperance literature, and shall conduct 
temperance study classes/' 

The temperance work of the Epworth League is not 
designed to supplant that of any temperance organiza- 
tion. We intend to do nothing which they can do as 
well. YYe will co-operate with them wherever possible, 
and help them all we can. In some cases we may sup- 
plant their activities by taking up certain forms of service 
which they have not undertaken. 

First of all, our crusade seeks to revive the moral- 
suasion methods which were so successful thirty years 
ago, and which have been much neglected during the 
years since the legal side of the movement has had spe- 
cial attention. \Ye aim to get all the boys and girls and 
young women and children whom we can reach, definitely 
pledged against liquor-drinking. More than that, we will 
attempt to secure their solemn pledge to create a senti- 
ment against social drinking, and to do everything to 
outlaw the traffic. Two pledges have been issued, one 
for the boys and men, and the other for the girls and 
women. 

Men's and Boys'' Pledge. — I hereby pledge myself, 
God helping me, to abstain from the use of all alcoholic 
liquors as a beverage. I also promise to discourage their 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



use by others, and to use my influence and vote for the 
utter destruction of the liquor business. 

Women's and Girls' Pledge. — I hereby pledge myself, 
God helping me, to abstain from the use of alcoholic 
liquors as a beverage. I also promise to discourage their 
use by others, and to induce my friends to vote for the 
utter destruction of the liquor business. 

The Epworth League has a great field in its own 
members. Suppose even one-half of its members shall 
be induced to take one of these pledges. But the actual 
membership of the League is but a small part of our 
constituency. The Sunday-school is open to us. The 
junior League is open to us. Tens of thousands of 
young people who are identified with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church may readily be induced to make the 
covenant here set forth. It is expected that the Third 
Vice-President will keep a record of the number of 
pledges signed. 

The plan contemplates the circulation of literature. 
That is a most effective way to get the truth of the people. 
Five leaflets of the Epworth League series are ready for 
this work. They are printed on fine paper, in two colors, 
and are as attractive little documents as you have seen. 
Nothing cheap about them. Persons who would not 
look at an ordinary "tract" will accept and read one of 
these handsome leaflets with avidity. Here are the 
titles : 

"Crush the Saloon." 

"Awake, O Church of God." 

"Who is Responsible?'' 

"What Rum Costs." 

"Throw Away that Coffin-Nail." 

Another effective agency is an anti-rum agitation in 
the mass-meeting. It may sometimes be held on Sunday 



THE WORK OK MERCY AND HELP. 271 



night, instead of the regular preaching. Most pastors 
will gladly co-operate in such a plan. Provision is made 
in the devotional-meeting topics of the year for an oc- 
casional temperance meeting. If you can not have the 
entire Sunday evening for a mass-meeting, turn your 
devotional service into a mass-meeting. For an hour sing 
temperance songs, talk about the forms of wise agita- 
tion, and pray God to help you fight with faith. Or it 
may seem best occasionally to join with the other young 
people's societies of the community and hold a mass- 
meeting on a week evening. An ordinary program will 
not suffice. 

You must have extraordinary music and speaking. 
You will need to give many personal invitations and do 
some advertising in the local papers. When you have 
an anti-rum meeting, have a big one. A feeble little 
gathering will do no good. It will do harm. The whisky 
people will take courage. And indifferent people will 
be made more indifferent. Circulate your pledges at all 
your meetings. Strike while the iron is hot. And make 
it hot by striking hard. 

The duty of the young Christian is not wholly per- 
formed when he has done his best on the suasion side 
of this war. There is another side. It has to do with 
the rum dealer as a law-breaker. Until the legal pro- 
hibition of the curse can be secured, existing laws should 
be enforced. And the Epworth League should help to do 
it. This can sometimes be done by placing it squarely 
before the community. At times it may be well to join 
with the anti-saloon law enforcement. We can aid such 
a crusade by our influence, our money, our carelessness 
of what people may think or say, and our moral nerve 
in the face of danger. This work for the enforcement 
of law is no holiday affair. It must be a struggle backed 



272 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



by conviction, and a zeal born of actual desperation. It 
must not be intermittent. The rum men have no dread 
of spasms of municipal goodness. But they are filled 
with dread when good citizens enlist for the three-years' 
war. 

Charts for use in public meetings may be procured 
from the National Temperance Society, 3 and 5 West 
Sixteenth Street, New York City. Secure speakers who 
can give the facts about the relation of the saloon to 
politics. The connection between the saloon and crime 
will also make a theme for a most interesting discussion. 
The discussion can occasionally take the form of a de- 
bate. This will actively enlist a larger number than the 
ordinary "talk." For pamphlets and books giving ex- 
cellent data write to the National Temperance Society, 
New York City; headquarters Anti-saloon League, Co- 
lumbus, O. ; headquarters Woman's Christian Temper- 
ance Union, Evanston, 111. 

For District Officers. — A great opportunity has come 
to the District Third Vice-Presidents. Much of the 
success of this campaign depends on the district officers. 
It is possible for you to awaken your whole district. 
Send at once for samples of leaflets and pledges and 
put them into the hands of the local Third Vice-Presi- 
dents. 

Do not slight the crusade when you are building your 
convention program. Arrange for a great temperance 
mass-meeting. Conduct schools of methods on temper- 
ance work. 

Other Ways to Help Crush the Saloon. — Cultivate 
your local editors, and try to secure the publication of 
some stirring temperance matter every little while. 

Do not patronize papers which publish whisky ad- 
vertisements. 



THE WORK OE MERCY AND HELP. 



Request the ministers of all the Churches to preach 
on the liquor abomination. 

See that temperance instruction is given in the public 
schools in communities where the law permits. 

Do not patronize druggists or grocers who sell liquor 
as a beverage. 

Insist that the laws respecting the sale of liquor to 
habitual drunkards shall be rigidly enforced. 

Have no mercy on saloonists who persist in selling 
liquor to minors. 

If no anti-cigarette ordinance exists in your munici- 
pality, pray to secure its passage. Then do everything 
possible to shield the boys from that baneful curse. 

See that the young voters turn out to the caucus of 
the party of which they are members, and secure the 
nomination of clean men. 

Vote for men who are sworn enemies of the rum 
traffic, no matter upon what ticket their names appear. 
Vote for no other. 

Invest some money in the temperance reform, remem- 
bering that the rum power is enormously rich and spends 
money without limit to protect its interests. 

Give your aid to any organization which is righting 
the traffic. 

Be particularly kind to the victims of drink. In their 
sober hours they realize the bondage in which they are 
held. Despair often takes hold upon them. They need 
sympathy. None are so low that they can not be reached. 
Suppose they sign your pledge a dozen times, and fall. 
Go after them again. Keep after them. 

The victim's wife and family appeal to your pity. Is 
there anybody on this planet who deserves more sym- 
pathy than the drunkard's wife? 

The women members of the Mercy and Helo brigade 
18 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



have a duty toward their erring sisters. Some of them 
are young and giddy. They have not yet fallen into de- 
grading sin. Yet, because of the almost inexorable laws 
of heredity, or the subtle influence of environment, they 
are exposed to temptations of the most damning sort. 
They should be warned and protected and helped. Then 
there are the women who are the victims of drink. And 
those who have fallen into social vice. What can be 
done for them? They are our sisters still. Once they 
were as pure as snow. For them Christ died. They are 
immortal. A million ages hence they will be living, con- 
scious souls. Are they not worth saving? Can you be 
saved, O Christian women, if you gather your skirts 
about you, and refuse to look in pity and lend a helping 
hand ? 

Prices of Literature and Pledges. — The leaflets are 
sent out in quantities at actual cost. "Crush the Saloon" 
(eight pages), twenty-five cents per hundred. All other 
leaflets (four pages), twenty cents per hundred. Five 
hundred copies, $1.00. One thousand copies, $1.75. The 
leaflets are put in packages of one hundred, and a smaller 
number than this will not be sold. In all orders, any 
assortment of leaflets desired will be made. State defi- 
nitely the number of each kind desired. It is expected 
that Chapters, through their Mercy and Help Depart- 
ments, will order this attractive literature in large quan- 
tities and distribute it systematically and persistently. 

The pledge cards are sold for fifteen cents per hun- 
dred. Sold only in packages of one hundred, of any as- 
sortment. 

A sample envelope containing one of each of these 
leaflets and pledge cards will be sent for five cents. 



THE WORK OF MERCY AND HELP. 



Education and Agitation. 

The temperance crusade of the Epworth League is 
not dependent for its effectiveness on pathetic and har- 
rowing stories of the havoc wrought by drink. It is a 
thought-inspiring campaign. It emphasizes the fact that 
temperance is more than a personal matter. It insists 
that the problem is physical, social, political, economical, 
and religious. It realizes that large knowledge and care- 
ful action are required. It depends not so much upon 
impulse as upon a steady, unwavering, uncompromising 
campaign against the whole business, in every form and 
disguise. 

We need an accurate knowledge of all the temper- 
ance movements now in operation, an understanding of 
their basal principles, and the purpose of co-operation 
with every one of them so far as they are working in 
the direction of the ultimate and utter annihilation of 
the saloon. 

The stages of the Epworth League campaign, as of 
every other wise temperance campaign, are, first, agita- 
tion, to arouse the public conscience ; second, law-enforce- 
ment, to make operative the laws as they now stand ; 
third, education, to make possible new and better laws ; 
and fourth, annihilation of the traffic by local, State, and 
national legislation. 

To accomplish these results we must understand the 
present situation. We must make a study of the liquor 
laws of our own community. The laws relating to the 
hours of closing the saloons, and to the sale of liquor to 
minors ; the laws relative to drug stores and other places 
not commonly counted as saloons, but where liquor is 
sold, must all be studied. 

The Epworthian as an individual, and the Epworth 



276 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



League as an organization, can never afford to be indif- 
ferent to saloon lawlessness. Our history and our posi- 
tion in the community compel us to take a positive stand. 
Consequently we are exactly at our proper business when 
we make protests and help in contests for a sober com- 
munity, in the making of petitions and the sending of 
committees to city councils and other legislative and 
executive bodies; and, in short, in every form of opposi- 
tion to the anarchy of drink. 

Every Epworthian will, of course, be a total ab- 
stainer, and will stand for total abstinence in social life 
by precept as well as by example. Every Epworthian 
will vote for the principle of saloon destruction when- 
ever there is an opportunity to vote. If he can, he will 
make the opportunity, when the politician is anxious that 
there shall be no opportunity. Epworthians will go into 
politics not merely as Epworthians, but as Christian citi- 
zens. 

Temperance Meetings. 

There is need of variety in temperance meetings. Ad- 
vertise one as "A Treasury of Temperance Facts," or 
"Temperance Tools," or "Facts and Figures of a Great 
Crusade," or some other attractive title. Material for 
such a meeting can be gathered from temperance papers 
such as the National Advocate, the New Voice, and also 
from the Year-Book of the National Temperance Society 
and the American Prohibition Year-Book. 

Another temperance meeting which can be made suc- 
cessful is a temperance social, in which the principal fea- 
ture shall be progressive conversation. Arrange a series 
of ten themes relating to the general subject of temper- 
ance and prohibition. Start the conversation on these 
themes after the manner of any other progressive con- 



THE WORK OF MERCY AND HELP. 



versation social, ending with the circulation of the Ep- 
worth League temperance pledge and the serving of light 
refreshments. 

Have a debate, or rather a general discussion. Take 
up the various forms of regulation and restraint, such as 
local option, low license, high license, the Gothenburg 
system, the dispensary system, the Anti-Saloon League, 
the Prohibition party. Let one speaker present each 
theme, emphasizing its value, and take a vote at the close 
as to which of the methods of restraint or regulations is 
the best. 

Miss Belle M. Brain suggests a program in which the 
main feature shall be a Temperance Budget or a Tem- 
perance Advocate, gotten up after the manner of a regu- 
lar newspaper. It should have editorial news of current 
events touching on the temperance reform, a brief tem- 
perance biography, a bit of popular science, a temper- 
ance poem, a story, some pertinent paragraphs, and other 
newspaper features relative to temperance. With a little 
ingenuity and some careful work on the part of the edi- 
torial corps this may be made a most attractive and suc- 
cessful evening. 

The contest idea is especially adapted to temperance 
work. Contests in recitations, orations, and debates are 
common, but still have very large usefulness. Another 
contest not quite so common is a temperance story con- 
test, in which from three to six competitors read stories 
illustrative of some phase of temperance work, and a 
prize or other simple reward is given to the writer of 
the best story. 

A Substitute for the Saloon. — An important work 
which is being carried on by the Methodist Church at 
North Bay, N. Y., offers a suggestion for the new third 
department of the Epworth League, in connection with 



278 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



its temperance work. For two or three years past this 
Church has conducted a Young Mens Association, for 
the special benefit of young men without homes. North 
Bay is a railroad town and there are many young fel- 
lows who know no home comfort save that which is af- 
forded by a boarding-house. Where they shall spend 
their evenings is a serious question. The saloon is, of 
course, open to them, but the Church is determined that 
it shall not have a monopoly of entertaining "the boys." 

Three very pleasant rooms have been secured on the 
main street of the town and fitted up in homelike fash- 
ion. A reading-table contains the best papers and maga- 
zines, and there are games, such as dominoes, crokinole, 
checkers, etc. The place is open every evening, and is 
well patronized. The members help defray expenses by 
contributing one dollar each. The privileges are open 
to any one who behaves himself, but drinking, smoking, 
card-playing, or profanity are not allowed on the prem- 
ises. On Sunday evening, after preaching, a song serv- 
ice is held in the rooms, with a very large attendance. 

The enterprise has been so successful that its methods 
have been imitated. Something of the kind under the 
auspices of the Church is a great boon, and in many cases 
almost a necessity. 

Temperance Programs. 
I. 

If there has been no recent pledge-signing movement, 
in your Church or community, make this a total absti- 
nence pledge service. Get a supply of pledge cards ready. 
Urge everybody to help in the practical means of tem- 
perance extension. Distribute the pledges beforehand 
if possible. 



THE WORK OF MERCY AND HELP. 279 

Song service. Two or three temperance hymns, such 
as "True-hearted, whole-hearted." "Courage, brother, do 
not stumble." "I must tell Jesus." "Yield not to tempta- 
tion." "Dare to do right." "A charge to keep I have." 
"My soul, be on thy guard." "Dare to be a Daniel." 

The leader speaks on "Loyalty to principle, as illus- 
trated by Daniel and his companions." 

A physician speaks on "The physical value of total 
abstinence." 

A teacher speaks on "The intellectual value of total 
abstinence. 

A business man speaks on -"The commercial value of 
total abstinence." 

The pastor speaks on "The spiritual value of total 
abstinence." 

The leader presents the Total Abstinence Pledge, and 
all are asked to sign it. 

Brief prayers for God's help in opposing intemper- 
ance ; for grace to keep the pledge just signed; for 
strength and willingness to help others give up evil habits. 

The League benediction. 

II. 

A "platform-meeting" can be arranged, with three or 
four speakers taking up various phases of the temper- 
ance reform. It will be a help if prominent speakers can 
be secured. A business man, a public official, a physi- 
cian, and a lawyer would make a fine quartet. 

Or take the speakers from occupations directlv or 
indirectly affected by the liquor business. For example, 
"What I think about drink," by a Christian policeman ; 
"Railroading and rum," by a locomotive engineer; 
"What saloons do to schools and scholars," by a teacher ; 
"How to kill the saloon 'pull' in politics," by a Christian 



2 8o EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



politician. The policeman and the politician may not be 
easy to get, but they are worth looking for. 

Above all, magnify the Ep worth League temperance 
pledge. If you have not a supply on hand, send to the 
Ep worth League Central Office, 57 Washington Street, 
Chicago, foi enough to supply the large audience you 
ought to have on Anniversary-day. The pledges cost 
only 15 cents per 100, postpaid. They will be sent as- 
sorted, if desired — so many of the men's and boys' pledge, 
and so many of the women's and girls'. 

Use them wisely. Make the presentation of the pledge 
a large item on the program. Urge everybody to sign. 
Plan to keep a list of the signers. 

Call attention to the 'Vote clause" of the pledge. It 
is new. It is consistent. It is vital to any real purpose of 
opposition to the saloon. 

Themes for Temperance Meetings. 

The Destructiveness of Drink. 

Alcohol and Athletics. 

The Worth of Temperance Teaching. 

Total Abstinence in the Home. 

Alcohol no Medicine. 

Substitutes for the Saloon. 

Total Abstinence and Health. 

The National and Personal Price of the Drink Habit. 
Total Abstinence and Brotherhood. 
The Saloon and the Soldier. 
Total Abstinence as a Business Asset. 
The Relation of Religion to Total Abstinence. 



The Epworthian should be really and positively a citi- 
zen. Not merely a voter, but a 365-day citizen in his pre- 




CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP. 



THE WORK OF MERCY AND HELP. 281 



cinct, ward, township, city, county, state, nation. He 
will not be so absorbed in the contemplation of heaven 
as to forget the claims and importance of this present 
world. 

The Epworthian loves his country with a real and 
vital patriotism. For that reason he will be all the more 
ready to rebuke unrighteousness in public affairs. 

The Epworthian will be honest in his citizenship. If 
he has property he will pay taxes on it. If he brings 
dutiable goods into the country he will pay the tariff 
charges. If he works for public pay he will give the 
full measure of service for his salary. If he has a vote 
he will cast it as a Christian. If he has no vote he will 
use his influence as a Christian with those who have. 

The Epworthian, besides keeping the law himself has 
a right to insist that others must keep it. The people 
who do not want to keep the law are the very ones who 
most need law enforcement. It is folly to advocate good 
laws and then be careless about their enforcement. More- 
over it is folly to expect that laws will be enforced un- 
less the law-keeping folk are as much in earnest about 
maintaining the law as the law-breakers are in trying 
to evade it. 

What is Christian citizenship ? Why should the E.p- 
worth League be concerned about it ? 

In the first place it is Gospel government, the choos- 
ing of Christians to make and interpret and administer 
the laws. It stands for righteousness in legislation, in 
the courts, and in every executive office so that the mul- 
tiplied activities of public life shall be carried on without 
corruption and partisanship. 

The assignment of Christian citizenship to the Mercv 
and Help Department is a confession. By that assign- 
ment we admit that there is need for agitation, educa- 



282 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



tion, and combination, to lift the standard of citizenship 
in this country from the low level of self and party to 
the high plane of Christian duty. But if it is a confession 
it is also a resolve. It is a distinct purpose to antagonize 
the saloon element, the lawless element, the willingly ig- 
norant and the willingly wicked in our social life. There 
is in it abundant inspiration. It calls us to just such 
service as the young and eager have longed for. 

But Christian citizenship is not first of all a cam- 
paign. It begins as a personal readjustment. The Ep- 
worthian must himself be a Christian citizen before he 
can wage warfare against the unchristian element in the 
city, state, or nation. That means Christianity in busi- 
ness. That means Christianity made practical on elec- 
tion-day. That means Christianity in official relation- 
ships. That means Christianity in every-day work. It 
means Christianity in every place, high or low, where 
the citizen has opportunity to put the stamp of his sort 
of citizenship upon the life of his community. To many 
of us Christian citizenship is a challenge. It says, "First 
cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt 
thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's 
eye." 

In order to accomplish anything for Christian citi- 
zenship it is necessary to believe that the thing is possi- 
ble. We must believe that machine politicians and the 
supporters of the saloons, lawlessness, and those who rule 
the ignorant and drive them to the polls like sheep, can 
all be successfully opposed. But successful opposition 
must he organized. Usually the forces of evil are com- 
pactly arrayed. They know what they want, and, as a 
rule, they know what is necessary in order to get it. The 
Christian citizen must have the game sort of wisdom. 
Agitation which does not lead to combination for actual 



THE WORK OF MERCY AND HELP. 283 



results is likely to make theoretical reformers and prac- 
tical hypocrites by means of the very movement which 
seemed to promise so much for better things. 

Christian citizenship is efficient citizenship. The fail- 
ure of many reform movements may be directly traced to 
the fact that the reformers want to furnish good gov- 
ernment but do not know how. So the great need is that 
Christian citizenship shall be made a matter of training. 
The subjects concerning which everybody needs wider 
and more definite education are almost innumerable. 
For example, a young people's society in New Jersey, in 
its declaration of principles, indicates the thing that 
Christian citizens need to know : "The union shall strive 
to remove from the city all temptation to vice not law- 
fully permitted. It shall attempt to check the purchasing 
of votes and other abuses connected with the ballot-box. 
It shall urge Christian people to attend the primaries of 
their parties, and insist upon the nomination for office 
of men who are in sympathy with the object of this or- 
ganization. It shall submit to the proper authorities evi- 
dence to convict officers who are recreant to the trust 
committed to them by the people. The union declines 
to embrace a political party or support any individual 
nomination for office. It hopes to accomplish these re- 
sults by no hasty or spasmodic efforts at reform, but by 
arduous caution and relentless effort, and requests the aid 
of good citizens in the furtherance of its principles." 

Christian citizenship is Gospel pity. Because we are 
Christians the lame and the halt and the blind are in a 
special way our responsibility. The work of caring for 
them is a sacred business. It can not be done by the 
chronic office-seeker, or by the selfish politician. The 
helpless element in the population needs compassion, ten- 



284 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



derness, and patient care. Only Christian citizens can 
provide these things. 

Christian citizenship is Gospel courage. There are 
always evils which desire to live, but ought to die. To 
attempt their destruction requires courage. It is easy to 
say, "Let it alone," but it is also cowardly, and a coward 
is next door to a traitor. 

The Epworthian is under compulsion about all these 
things because he is a Christian. The Christian Gospel 
insists on right government. It insists on justice, and it 
insists on fearlessness in the discharge of duty. 

The Christian Citizen. 

The Christian is the only full-fledged citizen. He 
owes allegiance to a greater country than this. "Our 
citizenship is in heaven." But the greater includes the 
less ; a man who is a good citizen of the United States 
must of necessity be a good citizen of Ohio, if, for ex- 
ample, Ohio is his home. A man who is a good citizen 
of heaven is always for that reason a better citizen of 
earth. 

The Christian will exercise two kinds of power as a 
citizen. 

I. Negative power. He will always and everywhere 
veto whatever conflicts with the constitution of the United 
States and constitution of heaven. And sometimes 
v-e-t-o spells vote ! 

He will not vote to expel Christ from Gadara, even 
though he is interested in the swine industry. He is more 
interested in men. 

He will not think that his work as a citizen is all done 
on election day or ratification night. 

He will not accept his political issues from the saloon, 
the spoilsman, or the demagogue. He will help to make 
issues. 



THE WORK OF MERCY AND HELP. 285 



2. Positive power. Some things the Christian citi- 
zen will always urge and promote by every means in his 
power. 

He will insist on the recognition of the Christian ideal 
for the State. When he needs to vote as a Christian he 
will not ask what party emblems adorns his ticket. There 
are some things on which Christians can not divide — 
and stay Christians. 

He will urge the need of civic righteousness. He 
believes that the laws of Christ can be applied to national 
and State and municipal affairs. He believes that the 
community, as well as the individual, should be set apart 
as sacred, "'sanctified.'' 

He will put righteousness above all tariff questions, 
and the law of God above the politician's law of ex- 
pediency. 

He will always accept the supremacy of conscience 
where questions of morals are involved. 

He will veto all selfish attempts to enrich the indi- 
vidual at the expense of the state. 

That will put him always against the saloon, which 
fosters vice, encourages crime, and makes necessarv a 
costly and elaborate protective machinery — courts, jails, 
police, and asylums. 

It will put him against every form of anarchy, such 
as bribe-giving and bribe-taking, corrupt legislation, in- 
efficient men in public office, the use of office as a road 
to wealth. 

He will veto all that endangers the Sabbath by mak- 
ing it merely a weekly holiday. That attitude lost the 
Sabbath in France, and is threatening it here. 

He will not vote for immoral men to represent him 
in any place of public trust. 



286 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Au, are Citizens. 

Many Epworthians are under twenty-one years of age. 
But they are citizens. More are not voters. But they 
are citizens. So this subject interests every member of 
the Epworth League. 

Young women may count largely in all work of higher 
ideals of citizenship. Their work may not be so public, 
but it can be positive and potent. 

Who can count the gains secured for righteousness in 
public life through the labors of the Woman's Christian 
Temperance Union? Its members can not vote. They 
have no direct political influence. But indirectly they 
have been a tremendous power for good in the last twen- 
ty-five years. 

The late Colonel Waring, when he was street com- 
missioner of New York, did a great work for good citi- 
zenship. He won the school children to his side. They 
organized volunteer street cleanliness brigades. They 
were active helpers in keeping the city's streets free from 
the litter of paper and fruit rinds and other accumula- 
tions. A clean street is one step toward better citizenship. 

Women can render invaluable service in connection 
with the schools. Thousands of Epworthians are teach- 
ers. Each of them has more opportunity than a dozen 
voters to work for Christian ideals and Christian pur- 
poses in the citizens of to-morrow. 

And, after all, the home is the chief place where good 
citizenship must be taught, and the effects of bad citi- 
zenship counteracted. True, the work of the home is 
often fearfully attacked by outside influences. But if the 
home did not stand for Christian citizenship, how long 
would the other forces be able to keep at work ? 



THE WORK OF MERCY AND HELP. 287 

The Study of Christian Citizenship. 

How can the Epworth League cultivate the work of 
Christian citizenship ? There are many ways. A simple 
way to begin is by arranging a current topic club for 
the discussion of present-day problems. The civic life 
of every town in the country affords abundant material 
for such discussion. The club may take up any phase 
of civic activity. 

Some of the specific subjects concerning which edu- 
cation may well be attempted, are : 

Building regulations in cities and towns. Many 
buildings are erected in violation of these regulations, 
and are a danger. Perhaps better regulations are needed 

City government. The council, the aldermen, the 
mayor, the ordinances. There is a whole course of study 
here. 

County legal., educational, statistical, and business 
affairs. This is another course. 

The Courts. The elements of legal business. Some- 
thing everybody should know. 

Elections, local, state, and national. Election laws. 
Naturalization. Qualification of voters. A most im- 
portant subject. 

Fire department. Insurance. Methods of fire pre- 
vention. 

Police department. Training of policemen. Special 
policemen. The improvement of the force. The police 
and "graft." 

Politics. The organization of parties. Political cam- 
paigns. Platforms, issues, candidates. Municipal non- 
partisanship. Why it is a good thing. 

The Post-office. The organization of the department. 



288 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Postal reforms. Misuse of the mails. Fraudulent ad- 
vertisements and how to detect them. 

Prisons. Punishment and labor in prison. Christian 
work in prisons. Should prisons attempt to reform as 
well as punish? 

The public charities. The poor-house. Pauper leg- 
islation. 

The public records. Their varieties and their keepers. 

The railroads. Sunday excursions. The six-day 
week for employees. The Railway Y. M. C. A. 

The school system. School boards. School laws. 
School comfort and adornment. Patriotism in school. 

The state legislature. Its organization and work. 
The right of petition. Special and general legislation. 
How to secure good laws. 

Sunday observance. Sunday laws and their enforce- 
ment. Use of tact and sense in problem. The relation 
of the Sunday question to the laboring man. 

Supervision of health and disease. Relation of public 
works to the public health. Food inspection. Preven- 
tion and regulation of contagious diseases. 

Taxes. The theory of taxation. Its operation. Ex- 
emptions. Special taxes. Tax dodging. 

Temperance laws and sentiment. Saloon licenses and 
their restrictions. Temperance education. Low license, 
High license. Local option. Prohibition. 

Contests. 

District Leagues may conduct oratorical contests- on 
the general subject of citizenship. The methods of col- 
lege contests are easily adaptable, including the holding 
of a local contest to determine the speaker who shall rep- 
resent the Chapter, and the district contest to determine 
who is the best of the Chapter representatives. Orations 



THE WORK OK MERCY AND HELP. 289 



should be not over fifteen minutes in length, should he 
judged as to thought and composition by one set of 
judges, and as to delivery by another. The subjects 
should be well within the limits of Christian citizenship 
themes. 

The district contest could be made one of the features 
of the district convention, and, when accompanied by 
good music, good advertising, and the true contest spirit, 
it will be one of the most popular plans that could be de- 
vised to encourage civic patriotism. 

A still more elaborate method is the organization of 
a moot council, with mayor, aldermen, and city officials. 
This organization will model its session after the meet- 
ings of the city council. The usual committees on police, 
fire, protection of public parks, charitable institutions, 
roads and streets, sewers, public lighting, and other civic 
interests will be appointed. Resolutions and ordinances 
will be brought up, discussed and voted upon, in every- 
thing conforming as nearly as possible to the actual opera- 
tions of the real council. Such a moot council will be 
very attractive to young men, and will teach many valua- 
ble lessons that can not be found in any text-book. Some 
important reforms may result from its work. 

The Redemption of Holidays. 

A great work for Christian citizenship can be done in 
the redemption of our national holidays from popular 
degradation. For example, a new Fourth of July is 
urgently demanded. It is probably not possible to do 
away with the noisy, semi-barbarous celebration so dear 
to the heart of the small boy. But the Fourth' of July h 
an ideal day on which to emphasize and encourage such 
things as the temperance enterprise, the cultivation of 
true and vigorous patriotism, the setting up of Christian 
19 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



standards and ideals in political life, and the recognition 
of a dependence upon God in national affairs. In at- 
tempting this redemption of the Fourth of July the Chris- 
tian citizenship committee should begin early and plan 
for a really great celebration. Nothing small should be 
attempted for the national birthday. It would be a fore- 
ordained failure. And do not omit the holiday features. 
Recognize the fact that it is a day for play, as well as 
for public profit. Unite with other Chapters to make 
the day a notable one. Provide for banners, for the very 
best speeches that can be provided, and for games and 
innocent refreshments. If there, is any important meas- 
ure pending before any legislative or executive body, this 
Christian Fourth of July affords a splendid opportunity 
for the circulation of petitions. Usually there is no taint 
of partisan politics in the air. The fall campaigns have 
not yet begun, and the thoughts of most men turn easily 
to ideas in harmony with the hope and prayers of the 
fathers* of the republic. Detailed plans will be found 
on pages 398-401. 

Another day which may be made valuable in the 
work of Christian citizenship is Thanksgiving-day. It 
is something more than the day of a big feed. It has 
both a political and a religious significance. If the 
Church has not already planned to observe Thanksgiv- 
ing-day let the Chapter take the initiative. Get on the 
good side of the pastor. Win his consent to hold a 
Thanksgiving-day service at eleven o'clock in the morn- 
ing. Tell him that you will see to it that he has a con- 
gregation. It would be a strange preacher who would 
refuse to preach on Thanksgiving-day if his congrega- 
tion were assured. The difficulty with most Thanksgiv- 
ing-day services is the absence of the people. The Chap- 
ters can remedy that if they will, and if they do the 



THE WORK OF MERCY AND HELP. 291 



preacher will be glad to do his utmost. Of course, when 
the Epworth League takes the initiative the pastor will 
be less inclined than ever to deliver a pessimistic, gloomy, 
doleful wail, and miscall it a Thanksgiving- sermon. 
Instead, he will see the bright side, he will discover the 
good things that are to be found in the history of the 
nation, he will emphasize the duty and the spirit of 
Thanksgiving, and he will bear profoundly on the divine 
mission of the American people. For more detailed dis- 
cussion of Thanksgiving-day observance, see page 408. 

Holidays like Labor-day, Washington's birthday, 
Lincoln's birthday, and others, are especially appropriate 
for the holding of Epworth League rallies. The pa- 
triotic idea has always been appropriately linked to the re- 
ligious idea, and both ideas are the gainers by the process. 

The right of petition is guaranteed by the Federal 
Constitution. Some people have an idea that petitions 
do not amount to much. They are mistaken. Petitions 
of the right sort, presented at the right time, have often 
influenced legislators to vote the right way. A legislator 
is a susceptible individual. He is remarkably sensitive 
to public opinion. Some petitions reflect public opinion. 
Others do not. If the Epworth League commits itself 
only to the sensible and timely petition, its influence will 
be recognized wherever men meet to make laws. 

In a great deal of the work done by the Christian citi- 
zenship committee it will be necessary to secure adequate 
and up-to-date information. The following organizations 
furnish more or less information which will be useful : 
The National Civil Service Reform League, New York; 
the American Institute of Social Service, New York ; the 
National Municipal League, Philadelphia ; the National 
Christian Citizenship League, Chicago ; the Civic Fed- 
eration; the Municipal Museum, Chicago. 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Some Things to Emphasize. 

The politics of this world will never be purified by 
the ungodly. 

A Christian has the same rights as any other man at 
the ballot-box, but he has higher obligations. 

It is easy to be fervent in advocacy of Christian citi- 
zenship on Sunday, but Christian citizenship is most 
needed when the Churches are not open. 

Do not be willing to take election issues from the 
saloon-keeper, the office-seeker, or the politician. The 
office-holder is a minister of God as much as is the 
preacher. He ought not to complain when he is re- 
minded of that fact. The Christian citizen's besetting 
sin is his once-in-a-while-ness. He thinks that one elec- 
tion carried for reform is to usher in the millennium. 

Preachers ought to keep out of politics if they can. 
But most of the time they can not, if they are going to 
be true preachers. 

There is a great difference between citizenship and 
partisanship. 

Do not be discouraged because the evils you attack 
seem to grow. Remember the slave business, and how 
it finally died. 

Sometimes ask yourself the question whether it is 
part of a citizen's duty to enforce the laws. 




CHAPTER X. 

SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 

The: Fourth Department is quite as important to the 
sustained life and usefulness of the Chapter as any other. 
A group of Methodist young people which ignores both 
its own intellectual and social demands, and those of the 
community, will become narrow-minded, biased, and, if 
the group holds together long, which is quite unlikely, 
it will become a positive detriment to the Church. 

Our religion is essentially one of intelligence and 
fellowship. Christianity quickens all our powers, and 
enlarges all our capacities, these quite as surely as any 
others. So the provision for their nurture and guidance 
is an eminently proper part of the Epworth League 
scheme. 

On the intellectual side, the department seeks to make 
our denominational relation one of intelligent loyalty. 
It puts the doctrines, polity, and history of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church understandingly before its mem- 
bers. It would develop a proper denominational self- 
respect, as far removed from pride as it is from the 
attitude of apology and servility. 

Then the abounding mental life of the voung people 
is provided for, in lectures and lecture courses, libraries, 
reading-rooms, literary exercises, debates, study classes, 
reading circles, and other popular and appropriate ways. 

The social side of life is given full recognition. All 
forms of proper pleasure and amusement are welcomed, 

293 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



and the department must strive to emphasize the social 
nature of the Christian life by all possible means. 

Then there are duties which must naturally fall to 
the share of this department ; the seeking of new mem- 
bers, the welcoming of strangers, the musical work of 
the Chapter, flowers for Church and League room deco- 
ration, ushers for the Chapter meetings, badges, banners, 
and general decorations. 

The department is properly charged with the work of 
circulating The Bpworth Herald, which is the official 
magazine-newspaper of the movement, and whose wide 
circulation is one of the essential elements in the enlarging 
of the Ep worth League idea. 

Then the Fourth Department may be a means of 
interesting and winning new people. We have not done 
enough when we have encouraged and nurtured the 
social and intellectual elements in the lives of our own 
young people. The work of this department may ac- 
complish a notable spiritual service by attracting the un- 
saved young people of the community to associations in 
which it will be possible to lead them to Christ. 

And, before we can do great things, even for the 
young people already associated with the League and the 
Church, we must provide social and intellectual oppor- 
tunities that will satisfy them, and keep them from 
venturesome excursions into doubtful territory in search 
of the life which they crave and which is their right. 

The Fourth Department can do all this. It can pro-, 
vide an entirely normal and delightful social atmosphere, 
and minister to all the mental longings and aspirations 
of young life. It can recommend the Christian life as 
a life of joy and gladness ; a life of intellectual as well 
as spiritual growth; a life in which every right desire 
and worthy ambition is satisfied and encouraged. Thus 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 295 



our own young people will be held for Christ and the 
Church, and those that have thus far been on the out- 
side may discover the beauty and winsomeness of the 
life that is in Christ. 

LITERARY WORK. 

If the Chapter has a regular monthly meeting and 
provision is made for literary features in connection with 
it, the preparation of each month's program is a matter 
of much importance. There is more difficulty in begin- 
ning to make a program than in finishing it. No such 
thing as slipshod work can prosper. Numbers put on 
the program as stop-gaps or time-killers will kill interest 
and stop attendance. 

As nearly as possible this department should utilize 
the talent of every member. Few people can do every- 
thing, but everybody can do something. Some are more 
capable than others, but the others need all the more 
encouragement. The department is not an entertainment 
bureau alone. It is a training-school. 

There is scarcely a Chapter in the entire League 
without a large amount of undeveloped musical ability. 
It is better to develop this one talent than to go outside 
for better music. 

Build programs on themes of living interest. An 
Epworth League literary meeting is no place for dreary 
essays or technical discussions. The more nearly you 
can come to the daily life and thought of your members 
the more surely their interest in the work will be main- 
tained. 

Reading Circles. — In many Chapters it will be pos- 
sible to arrange little groups of members, each one of 
which will take up a definite sort of work. For example, 
ten members may form a reading circle. Another ten 



296 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



may constitute a "book-a-month" club, and still other 
groups may arrange for co-operative study of some ob- 
ject in which they take special interest. The work of 
these groups will often provide material for the public 
programs of the Chapter. 

An effective plan for enlarging the number of avail- 
able books at the disposal of the Chapter members is 
suggested by the work of a Methodist preacher who 
died a year or two ago. He made a catalogue of his pri- 
vate library and extended the use of the library to all 
the members of his Church, guiding them in their choice 
of books, recommending the best new books, and in 
every way encouraging them to more and better reading. 
Why could not the Chapter members "pool" their own 
private libraries, and prepare a catalogue of the general 
library thus made available ? Each member no doubt will 
have many books which others would be glad to read. 
By the pooling arrangement all who go into it will be at 
once borrowers and lenders, and by the use of a simple 
system of records it will be easy to keep track of the 
books. Ordinarily, the loan of a book is not recorded, 
and few people would care to make a record of the 
fact that they had loaned a book to a friend, especially 
if the friend knew it. But, by the joint arrangement, 
everybody will recognize that a record is necessary, and 
fewer books will be forgotten or their return overlooked 
than by the haphazard method. 

Post the catalogue of the co-operative library in the 
League room, with the owner's name following each 
book title. Exchanges may be made by mutual arrange- 
ment between owner and borrower. Each member of 
the "pool" should be given a card on which to record 
the circulation of his part of the library. A simple form 
is given on the next page : 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 297 



A Home Assembly. — The summer assembly idea is 
probably permanently fixed in the minds of the American 
people. To read the list of such assemblies one would 
suppose that everybody in the whole country attended 
one or more of these gatherings every summer. But, 
as a matter of fact, the great majority of people do not 
yet go to the Chautauquas. For the benefit of the stay- 
at-homes, an assembly in the home Church may well pro- 
vide a very profitable form of summer activity in the 



Name, Arthur Enright. 


Chapter, Maplewood, 111. 


47. 


BOOKS BORROWED 


DATE 


BORROWER 


RETURNED 




I/5/05 


Joe Greenman, . . . 


I/I5/05 


China's Book of Martyrs, 


l/ll/05 


Rev. T. J. Riley, . . 


2/5/05 


Life of Tennyson, .... 


I/I7/05 


Mrs. W. H. Squire, 


2/I/05 


Progress and Poverty, . . 


2/6/05 


Walter Wilson, . . . 




The Light of Asia, . . . 


2/27/05 


Ella Claypool, . . . 


3/6/05 



Fourth Department. Arrange for a ten days' session, 
modeled on the regular Chautauqua plan, except that in 
most cases day sessions will need to be omitted. It is 
a popular delusion that people will not go into public 
gatherings during the hot months. It is perfectly true 
that they will not go into a stuffy, badly-lighted, poorly 
ventilated Church. But the Church need not be stuffy, 
nor badly lighted, nor poorly ventilated, and when care 
is exercised in this regard, a Church is as cool as any 
other sort of room. Of course, if an open-air spot is 
available and free from disturbance, that will be even 
better. The serious difficulty in arranging this home 
assembly, of course, is the list of speakers. As befits 
the season of the year, the program should be largely 



298 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



light and entertaining, rather than solid and instructive. 
Neighboring pastors and other capable individuals will 
usually be glad to give one or two days' service in such 
a cause. The expenses need not be large, and in the 
general suspension of Church and social activities during 
the summer months, a home assembly is likely to attract 
much more attention than it would at any other season 
of the year. 

A Christian Culture Club. — This is the name of an 
organization that was formed a year or two ago in 
Waterbury, Conn. The object of the club is to empha- 
size the need of a broad culture and to do a little some- 
thing toward supplying that need by arranging programs 
every two weeks. Here are some in brief outline : 

I. Book night: Each in turn told of books recently 
read, and the same were discussed. 2. A debate on so- 
cialism. '3. An evening with hymns and hymn writers. 
4. Address : "The producer and the consumer," describ- 
ing the work of the Consumers' League, followed by 
discussion. 5. Bible night: "A temple of truth." 6. 
Denominational night:. The distinctive features of each 
denomination, presented by a representative, even the 
Catholic Church being ably defended by an intelligent 
high-school teacher of that faith. No debate, but a succes- 
sive presentation of salient points. 7. Art night: A 
round of visits to local artists with whom arrangements 
had been made. 8. Methodist night : An address by 
the pastor on "Our Methodist Discipline." 9. Music 
night: Biographical sketches of composers, illustrated 
by selections. 10. Literature night : Character sketches 
from standard writers. 11. Travel night: Venice, de- 
scribed by one who had been there, with photographs 
on exhibition. 12. Health night: An address on "Tu- 
berculosis," by a local physician. 13' A debate on pro- 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 299 



hibition. 14. Nature night: Special topic, "Bees," with 
some live speciments on exhibition. 15. Vacation expe- 
riences. 16. An evening in sympathy with the persecuted 
in Europe, noticing Macedonia, Kishenev, and Ireland. 
17. A local night, with two round table talks On "Water- 
bury's progress" and "Waterbury's needs." 

This work has been in charge of the Committee of 
Literary Work of the Epworth League, the brief con- 
stitution of the club requiring that the Fourth Vice-Presi- 
dent be chairman of the club. The membership of the 
club is free and easy, and includes all who attend, 
whether League members or not. There is a program 
committee of five. The attendance varies from ten to 
fifty, and seventy or eighty different persons have at- 
tended from time to time. In a busy city, where it is hard 
to sustain interest in a consecutive course of study, some 
such plan as this would doubtless prove as successful 
as it has been in our city. 

Lecture Courses. — Many Chapters make an annual 
lecture course a very successful feature of their work. 
When properly managed, nothing is more delightful. 
And nothing adds more to the reputation of the Chapter 
for ability to manage things and for discernment of 
the needs of the community than a good lecture course. 

Four things are all-important: Really good speak- 
ers, a comfortable auditorium, low prices, and vigorous 
advertising. 

The success of the course depends more upon the 
selection of the lecturers than upon any other one thing. 
And the selection of lecturers largely resolves itself into 
the question of what not to get. 

As a rule, avoid sermon-lectures. The lecture will 
not be spoiled, but helped, by having a definite moral 
purpose, although an occasional lecture which is nothing 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



more than an hour's innocent enjoyment is greatly ap- 
preciated. But the lecture platform is not the place for 
preaching, and the man who merely takes a sermon and 
detaches it from its text will not be invited to lecture at 
the same place a second time. 

Beware of lecturers who are persistent blowers of 
their own trumpets. The lecturer who is a good adver- 
tiser is very likely to be an indifferent speaker. 

Do not overlook near-by talent. There are people in 
every neighborhood who would be welcomed and highly 
esteemed if they were strangers. But of course it will 
not do to sacrifice attractiveness and effectiveness merely 
for the sake of complimenting some local aspirant. 

Avoid the man who bases his claim to an audience 
upon the solitary fact that he has traveled in far lands. 
Many travelers would have conferred a distinct favor 
upon their own community if they had indefinitely pro- 
longed their travels. The globe-trotting bore who can 
not utter a sentence without prefacing it with "When 
I was in Rome,"' or "The last time I saw Mr. Cham- 
berlain," or "Did I ever tell you of my experience in 
Singapore?" is an unmitig-ated nuisance. Do not en- 
courage him by asking him to lecture. He will lecture 
sufficiently on all occasions without being given a special 
evening. 

Steer clear of clowns and buffoons. Pleasantry is 
desirable, and a good joke is a healthy as well as a de- 
lightful rarity, but we may wisely leave the grotesque 
and the farcical to those who have far more experience 
with that sort of thing than any Epworthian should de- 
sire for himself. 

Aim at a course that shall be varied and that shall 
provide for every taste. If you are to have five enter- 
tainments, which is about the average, the course may 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 301 



be divided as follows : Three lectures, one special pro- 
gram by home talent, if possible, and one concert by the 
choir, or by a group of students from some near-by col- 
lege, or by local talent. 

The matter of the auditorium merits consideration. 
Most of the entertainments will be given during the 
colder season, and it is important that the public shall 
be satisfied at the outset that the auditorium will be com- 
fortable in cold weather. A cold room on the night of 
the first lecture will kill the course, and it ought to. 
People may be willing to attend a church which is not 
properly warmed, because they feel impressed by a sense 
of duty. But it is nobody's duty to patronize a lecture 
course unless he enjoys it. Therefore, look well to the 
heating and ventilating. 

In a course of five numbers every effort should be 
made to keep the price under one dollar for the course. 
In some places, owing to the cost of talent, it may be 
necessary to charge a dollar for the course, but many 
successful courses have been arranged, and all expenses 
paid, with fifty cents as the price of the course tickets 
and twenty cents for single admission. In case two of 
the evenings are provided for by home talent or by 
amateurs from some college near at hand, the expenses 
for these evenings will not be very high. Two or three 
hundred tickets will provide funds sufficient to pay all 
incidental expenses, and leave a good fee for each of 
the lecturers. Do not try to make money. A lecture 
course which is an enterprise for financial profit is too 
serious an undertaking to be completely successful. It 
will be sufficient if the committee "comes out even.'' 
If the expenses of the course can be paid without draw- 
ing on the League treasury, the lecture committee will 
deserve the thanks of the Chapter and the community. 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



If there should be a small balance, that will be a cause 
for additional congratulations. But there should be no 
struggling after large profits. That 'spoils the purpose 
of the course. 

Bend all energies toward selling as many season 
tickets as possible. This will not only provide for the 
finances, but it also makes provision for a respectable ^ 
audience at each entertainment. To this end advertis- 
ing should begin early. It should be liberal, persistent, 
and persuasive. Enlist the entire department for the 
time being. Put tickets into the hands of everybody who 
will take them, except children. Do not depend much 
upon the help of children in selling lecture tickets. They 
are likely to go to the wrong people and to make the 
appeal for patronage on mistaken grounds. Let the 
ticket-sellers be persons who understand the plan and 
scope of the course, and who are willing to explain it 
and to recommend it to their friends. 

Such a course will do two things. It will provide 
a series of evenings when the Epworth League can get 
together in an entirely delightful way, and it will attract 
notice to the work in such a manner that the subse- 
quent activities of the Chapter will appeal to more people 
and receive a more satisfactory hearing throughout the 
community than was the case before. 

The Official Paper. — Epworth Herald programs have 
been used from the beginning. It is to be hoped they 
may be available and popular indefinitely. The supply 
of material will not run short, and, in the natural course 
of things, the quality should improve with every year. 
Decorate the room with notable cover-pages, and other 
striking illustrations taken from recent issues of the 
paper. The smaller pictures may be mounted on mats, 
and grouped appropriately according to subjects. The 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 303 



program will be made up of selections from the paper. 
All departments, of course, should be represented in this 
program. That is to say, it should have a story, an 
article of more or less solid wisdom, a bit of the litera- 
ture of the spiritual life, a poem, a few jokes, an edi- 
torial or two, a few personals, some choice bits of Ep- 
worth League news, and one or two interesting para- 
graphs from recent devotional-meeting studies. Call 
each participant an editor. Then the program will be 
provided by the editor-in-chief, the story editor, the news 
editor, the funny man, the religious editor, and so on. 
It is understood, of course, that no program of this 
kind would be complete or satisfactory without the cir- 
culation of subscription blanks and the urging of the 
time-honored injunction, "Now is the time to subscribe." 
If your Bpworth Herald list is woefully short, this is 
an admirable plan for lengthening it. 

An Epzvorth League Paper. — The program, referred 
to in the preceding paragraph may be very successfully 
modified by providing a program in which the essen- 
tial idea shall be the same, but in which all the contri- 
butions shall be original. The story and other general 
features do not need any elaborate description. In the 
editorials treat of subjects of current local interest. Let 
the news be local and general Epworth League news, 
with the local news items in the majority. The jokes 
should be given a local flavor, as far as possible, and if 
some of them are literal renditions of local happenings 
so much the better, always providing that the poin': of 
the joke has no sting. The different departments may 
use this paper as a vehicle of their reports, making 
them brief and pointed. A column of personals should 
have an appropriate place, and the reading of this part 
of the paper will be followed with more interest than 



EP WORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



any other. An ingenious editor can round out such a 
paper with a few advertisements, "bogus" of course, 
in which he will have ample opportunity to display his 
imitative and inventive talents. The preparation of such 
a paper requires bright and alert editors, but when goorl 
judgment has been exercised in the preparation and writ- 
ing of the material, a program like this is listened to 
with the intensest and most eager interest. In the hands 
of competent Epworthians an Epworth League paper may 
be relied upon always to furnish a wonderfully popular 
program. 

A Reading College. — The Chautauqua system and 
other like plans of consecutive reading have made us 
familiar with the advantages of this method of study. 
But many people hesitate to commit themselves to a 
long course, or to a course involving a large number of 
books. And yet these same people would be glad of 
some concerted plan of systematic reading. Why not 
use their interest as a feeder for Epworth League ac- 
tivities, and at the same time help the individuals them- 
selves ? There are many ways of doing this. A simple 
one is as follows : 

Make a list of available books worth reading. Either 
through a library census of the Chapter, or by a request 
from the pastor or some one else, endeavor to discover 
in the possession of members or friends, books which 
will be gladly loaned to the "college." Require each 
member to read at least four of these books during the 
year. This is the smallest number which should be set 
as a standard, while the more ambitious members may 
read as many more as they choose. This plan does not 
require that the college shall hold regular meetings. It 
is merely a method of providing every member with read- 
ing that is worth while. 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 305 



Include every member of the Chapter in this arrange- 
ment. Make it so flexible that every member can be 
suited. If there are no books on your list to satisfy 
some particularly exacting member, find out what he 
wants and get the books in some other way. Do not 
give up the plan until every member of the Chapter 
has been enrolled as a member of the college. In order 
to keep up the interest, take five or ten minutes at the 
monthly business meeting to ask the question : "What are 
you reading?" Vary it sometimes by asking, "What have 
you read this month that has particularly impressed 
you?" Call the time given to this exercise at the busi- 
ness meeting, "Reading College Moments/' or some 
other appropriate name. Toward the close of the season 
have a commencement of your reading college as one 
of your Chapter socials. Some of the features of a 
regular college commencement can be copied in these 
exercises. Have a salutatorian, a valedictorian, and two 
or three brief orations. The speakers, of course, will 
use their winter's reading as a basis of their addresses. 
If a certificate of a year's work in the college is thought 
desirable, it can be arranged easily, and copies of the 
document given out after the fashion of diplomas at the 
close of the commencement exercises. 

Evenings With Experts. — A feature of the Epworth 
League programs which has always been popular, and 
which has lost none of its original attractiveness, is a 
series of practical talks by men who know, and by 
women too. Invite the business men to talk on business, 
the physician on the care of the health and other sub- 
jects belonging to his profession. Ask the lawyer to 
tell how litigation may be avoided, or to give a talk 
on the simpler and more elementary features of legal 
business. Let him explain those legal terms which are 
20 



3 o6 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 

in common use, but whose meaning is more or less hazy 
to the average non-legal mind. Call in the teachers. 
Let them speak on the work of the school from the 
teacher's point of view. The teacher is often heard by 
his or. her pupils, but the teachers rarely have oppor- 
tunities of speaking to older audiences on the work of 
the school from the teacher's standpoint. 

A series of interdenominational evenings can be made 
seasons of delightful fellowship. One year arrange a 
series in which representatives of the various denomi- 
nations shall explain and illustrate the peculiarities of 
doctrine and policy which distinguish their respective 
Churches. The next year have a similar series, but in- 
stead of asking each speaker to discuss his own Church 
ask him to discuss some other. For instance, ask a 
Presbyterian to speak on the subject, "What I like 
about Methodists." The next evening of the series 
a Methodist can be asked to reciprocate, and so on 
through the list of available speakers in the community. 
It is better to emphasize the likable things in other 
denominations than to exhibit in life-size fashion the 
things that are not so attractive. It will be found 
when three or four representatives of as many denomi- 
nations have told what they like about each other, that 
after all there are more points of resemblance than of 
difference among the great Christian denominations. 

The Book Club. — The book club is admirably adapted 
to Epworth League work. It does not require any 
specified number of members. A little group of people 
who desire to read certain books, but do not care to 
purchase them, can agree among themselves that each 
one will buy one book on the list. Then each member 
of the club has the privilege, after having read his own 
book, of reading in turn the books of the other members. 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 307 



This same plan can be adopted in the case of magazines, 
so that each member may have the opportunity of read- 
ing a half-dozen magazines while spending money for 
a single one. One essential requirement of all such 
work is that each member shall be loyal to the plan of 
the club, respecting the rights of the other members, 
observing time limits carefully, and practicing the 
Golden Rule in every detail of the club's work. If a 
slip of paper is pasted on the inside of the front cover 
of the book or magazine, a record of readers can be made 
without trouble. Put on this slip the names of all mem- 
bers of the club. Each member will check his own name 
when reading the book, and will then pass the volume on 
to the next one in order. The last reader on the list 
will check his name after reading and will return the 
book or magazine to its original purchaser. 

Informal Reading Circles. — In every Chapter there 
are groups of people who are interested in the same 
general subjects. The reading done by these groups can 
be made to link them and their work to the Chapter. 
Whatever the general subject of their reading, they will 
have some flexible system about it, and members of the 
group only may be designated as readers, and recorded. 
If persons who are not members of the Chapter are 
interested in these voluntary reading circles, use this 
seemingly slight link that binds them to those who are 
members as a means of winning them to the Chapter 
itself. Unless there are insuperable difficulties growing 
out of other religious affiliations, seek to enroll all the 
members of these voluntary reading circles in the Ep- 
worth League Chapter. You have already found one 
point of common interest, and others will thereafter 
suggest themselves almost unawares. 

An Envelope Library. — The Fourth Department can 



3 o8 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



co-operate with the Third in a number of ways. One 
very helpful plan is the making of an envelope library 
for the use of the visiting committee of the Third De- 
partment. In making this library, old magazines and 
other periodicals are taken apart. A single article or 
story is taken, the leaves stitched together and slipped 
into an envelope, with the title and author written on 
the back of the envelope. A large collection of these 
envelopes can be made at very small cost of time and 
trouble. The particular value of this library is that in- 
valids and convalescents find the handling of large maga- 
zines and books a severe drain on their small stock of 
strength, but a stitched pamphlet presents no difficulty 
whatever, and can be read sitting up in bed or in any 
other position which doctors and nurses may approve. 
These libraries will provide a most admirable stock of 
material for the visiting committee on its rounds, and 
will add to the welcome with which the committee is 
received in the sick-room and the hospital ward. 

Reading Rooms. — There are many Chapters so located 
that a room which will combine the uses of parlor, library, 
reading and writing room, would be of the greatest pos- 
sible usefulness. When such a room is set apart, a com- 
mittee of the Fourth Department should be put in charge 
of it. It can be provided with magazines and newspapers 
at very small cost. Members of the Chapter or of the 
Church will gladly give the current magazines, if the 
reading-room committee will wait a week or so after the 
magazines are issued before calling for them. A table 
equipped with writing materials, a couch, and an easy- 
chair or two, would give the room a homelike and restful 
look. In these days when reproductions of great pic- 
tures are both cheap and good, the walls need not be 
bare. 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 309 



When a room is furnished and equipped, throw it 
open to the young men of the town. Advertise it. Make 
it a popular rallying place. Do not devise too many rules, 
the only important one being that each one using the 
room must respect the rights of all the others. A mem- 
ber of the committee should be assigned to have 
charge of the room each evening, different ones taking 
this responsibility, turn and turn about. Properly man- 
aged, this Epworth League reading-room will prove in 
many places one of the most attractive features of the 
literary committee's work. 

A Simple and Effective Literary Club. — The Chapter 
at Hoopeston, 111., has a literary club, which meets once 
a month. The roll-call at each meeting is answered by 
"Current events," but the rest of the program varies with 
the months. 

December's program discussed "Well-known per- 
sons;" those selected being Andrew Carnegie, Helen 
Gould, Count Tolstoi, and Booker T. Washington. 

The January club held a symposium on "Technical 
education vs. general education." 

The February subject was "Some of the world's 
rulers," including the czar of Russia, the emperor of 
Germany, the sultan of Turkey, and the king of Spain. 

The March meeting listened to a review of Whittier's 
"Snow Bound," followed by general discussion. 

A debate was held in April, on the question, "Re- 
solved, That strikes are a benefit to the laboring class." 

The magazines were reviewed in May, different mem- 
bers discussing verse and the events of the month, and 
one member reading a short story. 

At the June meeting a member reviewed Hawthorne's 
"The Great Stone Face," after which the club discussed 
the subject informally. 



3 io EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 

A District Reading Circle. — Miss Elsie Riley sug- 
gests this : 

Make a list of one hundred and fifty or two hundred 
books suitable for the average Epworthian to read. 
This list includes religious books, temperance books, 
biography, history, poetry, fiction, missionary, and juve- 
nile. Call the list ''Our reading circle books." Or- 
ganize a district reading circle, to consist of all who 
will take the pledges, which are here given : 

Pledge i. — "I promise to read at least six from the 
following list of books during the year, two of them 
to be on religious subjects." 

Pledge 2. — "I promise to read a portion of the Scrip- 
tures daily." 

Send lists of these books to each Fourth Vice-Presi- 
dent in the district, and have them secure signers in their 
Chapters and report to the District Fourth Vice-Presi- 
dent. 

A Biblical Hall of Fame. — Shepherd Chapter, of 
Fairfield, 111., held a very interesting and profitable lit- 
erary meeting at which it created a Hall of Fame com- 
posed of ten of the greatest men of the Bible. 

Announcements were made two weeks in advance, 
in order that each member might prepare a list of those 
he deemed the ten greatest characters, in order of their 
importance. 

At the meeting nominations were made for first place, 
and from these nominations by vote the Chapter decided 
the name that should be placed first upon the list. This 
plan was continued until the list was complete. 

So much interest and enthusiasm was manifested that 
two weeks later a similar selection of the ten greatest 
women was made, and later the ten most popular books 
of the Bible were selected. 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 311 



Two Sensible Literary Hints. — Miss S. A. Wilson, 
out of a successful experience, gives this advice : 

"It is well to take a topic for a literary meeting 
that is available — something the literature for which ex- 
ists in cheap editions, or can be found in the public 
library. Our League spent two very delightful months 
upon the unabridged dictionary. 'Word stories from the 
dictionary' is a charming topic that may give you a 
most interesting evening. And few persons realize the 
vast store and wide range of information to be found 
in the preface and appendix of an unabridged dic- 
tionary. 

"Encourage the reading of books rather than maga- 
zines and papers. We must read a limited number of 
the latter to keep pace with the world, but there is little 
culture in them. There is an ephemeral air about period- 
ical literature that induces superficial reading. We feel it 
hardly worth while to read with serious attention that 
which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the kindling 
basket or the garret. Read books, the world's classics, 
which abide. 

"You will find a 'Book-a-Month Club' an excellent 
device to encourage the reading of books. It is also well 
to have a continuous course of study. Let there be some 
connection between the last meeting and the next one. 
Where possible, it is well to have one subject for an en- 
tire season. There is great power, cumulative power, in 
continuous thought." 

A "Discipline" Evening. — Many Chapters will find a 
"Discipline" social a very profitably spent evening. 

We know much too little of the constitution and in- 
stitutions of our Methodism and of the ways in which its 
affairs are conducted. 

Let the pastor, or some other person who is thor- 



3 i2 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 

oughly familiar with the Discipline, arrange the pro- 
gram. 

Questions may be numbered and read, audibly, giv- 
ing a stated time for the answer to each question, to 
be written on paper. This will create discussion and 
spread intelligence concerning the things which every 
Methodist ought to know. Or, if it is a Chapter whose 
members are fairly well-informed, the spelling-school 
plan may be used. 

Hints for Literary Evenings. — Among the legisla- 
tors : a talk about the making of laws, by a city alderman, 
a State legislator, or a lawyer. Close with a question- 
box. 

Notable things in the magazines : half-a-dozen care- 
ful summaries of striking and important articles from 
the current month's periodicals. 

State nights : an evening with the history and litera- 
ture of your State. 

Why I love my country : a symposium on patriot- 
ism. 

Short story contest: the reading of five or six origi- 
nal stories, written by members of the Chapter. The 
best story selected by ballot. Vary this by substituting 
verse instead of stories. 

Debates : for these there is constantly provided an 
unlimited amount of new material. 

Favorites of the old readers : an evening of readings 
from the old Sixth Readers hidden away in attics and 
secondhand shops. 

Quotations : a medley of favorite sayings, giving in 
each case the author, place of occurrence, and a sugges- 
tion of the context. 

Book reviews: brief descriptions and characteriza- 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 313 



tions of the books newly published, possibly with the' 
reading of extracts from the books considered. 

"An Evening with the Bells" will prove a very en- 
joyable affair. The program explains itself. Essay on 
bells; piano duet, "Yuletide Bells;" reading, "The Bell 
of Atri ;" chorus, "Jingle Bells ;" reading, "Curfew shall 
not ring to-night;" solo, "Ring the bells of heaven;" 
reading, "The Inchcape Rock ;" chorus, "Hear dem 
bells ;" recitation, "Ring out, wild bells." A large bell 
of colored paper, over a wire netting, inside of which 
is a lighted candle, suspended from the ceiling, together 
with some evergreens and plants, will give the room an 
inviting appearance. 

A Congress of Nations. — The speakers representing 
famous personages of various countries and making 
speeches in keeping with the character represented. Na- 
tional costumes may be used. 

A Congress of Notables. — The same idea as the above, 
with the characters taken from the living notabilities of 
our own land. 

Studies of Great Businesses. — Descriptions by people 
who know what they are talking about, of the inside 
workings of such enterprises as a department store, a 
newspaper, a bank, a railway, a steamship, a hotel, an 
oil refinery, a locomotive works, an electric power sta- 
tion, and scores of others. Utilize the industries near at 
hand, and enlist the help of experts. 

Studies in Methodist Methods. — One or more even- 
ings on our Church, what it does and how it does it. 

The Red Cross in Peace and War. — A survey of its 
beautiful and blessed activities. 

The Life History of Familiar Words. — A co-operative 
program in which several members will give the romance 



EPWORTH league methods. 



and poetry which is in the story of many of our com- 
monest words. 

A Series of Evenings on "Choosing a Life W ork" — 
Get the mechanic, the professional man, the farmer, the 
minister, the journalist, the drummer, to tell why they 
choose their work and to give stories which illustrate its 
peculiarities. 

The children of Dickens : with readings from "Old 
Curiosity Shop,'' Dombey and Son," "Nicholas Nick- 
elby," "David Copperfield," "Hard Times," and others. 

The women of Shakespeare ; five or six papers, each 
discussing one of the poet's famous creations. 

Tennyson's religious poems : readings, songs, "Cross- 
ing the Bar," and an appreciation of Tennyson as a re- 
ligious teacher and leader. 

The great hymns of the Reformation and the evan- 
gelical revival. 

Hymns of the ancient Church : their story, their 
value, and their present power. 

Imaginary journeys : to famous places and people, 
and to historic scenes. 

An evening with the newspapers : how they are made, 
and why. 

Shakespeare as a humorist: a study of the lighter 
side of the dramatist, illustrated by illustrative readings 
from the plays. 

A League newspaper: with title, editor-in-chief, as- 
sistant editors, reporters, business manager, "ad" writers. 
The editor assigns the work to his staff, which includes 
the whole company, and everybody writes furiously in 
order to finish within the time of "going to press." The 
editor reads the paper, from the title clear through all the 
advertisements. 

The Romance of Geography. — Give one night to 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 315 



America, others to the rest of the world. Ask various 
members to tell some unfamiliar things in the story of 
Columbus, the Cabots, Ponce de Leon, Hudson, Captain 
Cook, Marcus Whitman, Lewis and Clark, Pere Mar- 
quette, La Salle, Coronado, Fremont, and other 
explorers. The field and its material are both inex- 
haustible. 

The: Reading Circle;. 

The formal reading circle is a very important fea- 
ture of the literary work in the Epworth League, and 
can not be neglected without serious loss. In many 
places it has been found to be a wonderful source of 
inspiration and profit. 

Those who have taken it up are enthusiastic in its 
praise, and in most cases continue the work from year 
to year. 

The Benefits of a reading course are manifold. 

It provides for systematic reading which many people 
find difficult to arrange for without some stimulus of this 
kind. 

It makes a selection of a few choice books that will 
abundantly repay careful study. It is not an easy thing, 
even for those who have a taste for reading, to choose 
books wisely, and consequently much time is often wasted 
in the perusal of worthless literature. An Epworth 
League course of reading obviates this difficulty. 

It provides for our young people profitable employ- 
ment during the winter evenings, and proposes to settle 
the vexed matter of questionable amusements by the law 
of substitution. 

It increases the intelligence of its readers, giving 
them enlarged views of life and its duties. So far from 
decreasing religious zeal, it has been noted that the 



3 i6 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



members of the reading circle are amongst the most 
consecrated and useful members of the congregation. 

General Suggestions. — Enlist the sympathy of your 
pastor, who will, in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, 
be glad to help you. 

Inaugurate the reading circle for the season by ar- 
ranging an attractive literary evening. Have short, 
pointed talks or papers on "The influence of books,'' 
"The right use of books," "The misuse of books," "The 
mastery of books," "The danger in books," or other like 
subjects. Intersperse your program with music and 
prayer, and end it with short, ringing talks on the books 
of the course. Then let the Fourth Vice-President ex- 
plain the reading course — its purpose, its plan, and take 
the names of any who will join it. 

Give full explanation about the course to the whole 
Chapter, but do not expect all to join the reading circle. 
Give all a chance to take it up, but be satisfied with a 
dozen, or even a half-dozen members, if more can not be 
induced to join it. A large membership is not only diffi- 
cult to manage, but it is the next thing to impossible 
to interest a large number of young folk in the same 
books; and a few careless and indifferent members can 
do much toward destroying the pleasure of a whole 
circle. 

As far as possible, induce each member of the circle 
to purchase a set of the books selected, as they are to 
be read at home and discussed in the meetings. Good 
work can not be done when one set of books is made 
to serve half a dozen persons. Let the ambition of 
every Epworthian be to have a small library of his own. 
If it is deemed impracticable for each member to buy 
a set, the next best thing is for two or four persons 
to form a club and obtain the books in partnership. 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 317 



If the circle does not number more than twelve or 
fifteen, it is better to hold the meetings in the homes 
of the members, and let them be as informal as possible. 
It is not necessary to provide refreshments, but if it 
is done let them be of the simplest character, so that 
none will feel the meeting to be a burden. Let it be 
understood that the meetings are not merely for enter- 
tainment, but for profit. 

It is not necessary that the Fourth Vice-President 
be in charge of the reading circle, unless specially quali- 
fied. Get the best person available to take hold of it, so 
long as he is a consistent Christian. 

At the commencement it is a good thing to pledge 
the members to complete the course, and to attend the 
meetings whenever practicable. 

In reading the books at home, use memorandum books 
and pencils freely. Mark passages that are particularly 
striking and beautiful. Opposite any passage that you 
do not fully understand put an interrogation point. This 
marks it as something about which you should ask a 
question at the next meeting of the circle. But never 
pencil-mark a book that you do not own. 

Some circles meet weekly, others fortnightly, and a 
few monthly. This must be decided by circumstances, 
and time and place of meeting arranged to suit the con- 
venience of the majority. Many have declined to buy 
books because of their inability to attend the circle meet- 
ings. It should be remembered that the course can be 
pursued at home with much profit and pleasure. 

The Circle Meetings. — At the first meeting of the 
circle officers should be elected. These usually are presi- 
dent and secretary. 

In some circles two committees are appointed — lit- 
erary and entertainment — the former to select essayists 



3i8 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



and arrange for the allotted reading, the latter to furnish 
musical numbers. 

Each meeting should be opened by brief devotional 
exercises. v 

It is better to have a time limit, and adhere strictly 
to it under ordinary circumstances. To exceed an hour 
and a half is a mistake. It is better to have the members 
go away wishing that the program had been longer than 
wishing it had been shorter. 

Let the meeting be conducted sometimes by the presi- 
dent of the circle, sometimes by the pastor, and occa- 
sionally by members of the circle. 

The leader should not permit wandering from the 
subject, and no general conversation should be allowed, 
except during a few minutes intermission. 

It is a good plan to have the roll called at the com- 
mencement of the meeting, and have the members re- 
spond with a quotation upon some subject previously an- 
nounced, or from the book under consideration. 

In some circles short essays, of say ten minutes each, 
are read by members, followed by general discussion 
and criticism. This method has the merit of always 
providing a program. 

The question and answer method usually works very 
well. Let the leader question the circle on the reading 
for the week, just as the teacher would question a class 
in school, and then allow the members the privilege of 
questioning the leader. 

Occasionally let each member write a question on a 
piece of paper. Shake these questions together in a 
hat, and have each one draw a question, to be answered 
by the drawer. 

Let the leader frequently ask the members to men- 
tion the most striking passages in the chapters that have 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 319 



been selected for the week's study. He should ask them 
to tell why they consider these portions of the book 
worthy of special note. 

Before commencing the consideration of new chap- 
ters, it is well to spend a moment or two in reviewing the 
pages that have been previously considered. 

It provides a pleasing variety for the circle occasion- 
ally to be divided into two sections, the members of which 
will take different sides in the discussion of the subject 
in hand. 

There should be perfect freedom in all the conversa- 
tions and discussions. Members should never be ashamed 
to say that they do not know. The best way is to admit 
ignorance and seek the light. If any criticism be indulged 
in, let it be friendly, and have for its object mutual im- 
provement. 

It enlivens the meetings to have, once in a while, 
some musical selections. The recitation of a choice poem 
occasionally will be appreciated. 

In preparing for the circle meeting, in addition to 
the careful study of the prescribed books, as much in- 
formation as possible should be obtained from other 
sources. The public and other libraries should be ran- 
sacked, and help obtained from every quarter. 

A couple of times during the winter the circle should 
take charge of the literary meeting of the League, and 
give all the members the benefit of what they have been 
reading. Upon such occasions let the speeches and es- 
says be well prepared, interesting, and brief. These 
can be chosen from papers that have been read before the 
circle. 

The books will suggest many questions for consid- 
eration that naturally grow out of the reading. It is not 
absolutely necessary to adhere closely to the subject- 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



matter of the text-books, although this should be mas- 
tered. 

Selecting a Course. — Since there is no regular Ep- 
worth League course of reading, the circle must select 
its own. That involves much care and thought. Ready- 
made courses like the Chautauqua Course, the Bay View 
Course, and others, are admirable. Perhaps the circle 
may desire to construct its own course. Tastes and ca- 
pacities differ so widely that only one piece of definite 
advice can be given, but it should be heeded carefully, 
or the course will fall to pieces of its own weight : 
Make the course as simple as you can. Do not try to 
describe the circle of human knowledge in a single 
season. 

THE SOCIAL WORK. 

The social work of the Fourth Department is in- 
tended to be a feeder for all the other departments, but 
it ought not to be expected necessary to feed the mem- 
bers. 

If the social work is carefully, enthusiastically, and 
judiciously done, every department will feel the stimulus 
and help it will bring. 

The social work of the Chapter is by all means not 
to be considered a source of financial profit. It is not 
the Chapter's bargain counter. It has no function as 
a money-maker. There may be some profit in some of 
the enterprises which it undertakes, but the purpose to 
make a profit should never be foremost. The money- 
raising work of the Epworth League should be done, as 
largely as possible, through the Treasurer's Department, 
and the ideal should be held up before the members 
continually that direct giving is the only giving, and that 
the Epworth League can not eat its way into financial 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 321 



prosperity without serious detriment to its social and 
spiritual life. 

In an Epworth League social the social feature should 
be at least as real as any other. A free-of-cost social is 
the ideal. It is much more likely to be popular, and in 
keeping with the true purpose of socials, than one to 
which an admission fee is charged. Any event which 
has its origin in a purely financial consideration is not 
a social. The money element may have a place on some 
occasion of Christian fellowship, but its place will be 
secondary always. 

Any social, so called, but sadly miscalled, which has 
for its first and important end the raising of the pastor's 
salary, should not be tolerated in any self-respecting 
Chapter which is willing to have any preacher at all. 
Such a social degrades the Church, humiliates the 
preacher, and is usually a financial failure, as it ought to 
be. When it is a financial success its effect is even worse. 
The Church which is too poor to pay a preacher is too 
poor to carry to a successful issue a social for the benefit 
of the salary fund. 

The adoption of the New Testament method of 
Church and Epworth League support would abolish the 
whole tribe of melancholy functions whose only social 
feature is their name, and would make possible real so- 
cials — socials to save, without money and without price. 

Socials and Sociability. 

What are the marks of a good social? Negatively, 
at a good social there may be noted the absence of cer- 
tain things which would make it a bad social. There 
is no stiffness, no coldness, no formality, no groups, no 
cliques, no reserve, no neglected folk, no talking of shop, 
no exalting of self. Speaking positively, a good social. 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



will have a large freedom of movement. Strangers will 
be generously introduced. The fine art of conversation 
will be cultivated. The timid and backward among the 
company will receive special attention. The little talks 
will be upon themes of mutual interest. Above all, a 
good social is a social which has a great purpose, which 
is inspired by the greatest of all purposes — the purpose 
to recognize that the social life is a Christian privilege. 
Emphasis should be placed upon our oneness in Christ 
Jesus. We are brethren. 

The social work of the Epworth League must, above 
all, be clean. Do not tolerate for a moment any at- 
tempt to keep the letter of the Church law. on the sub- 
ject of amusements while violating its spirit. Epworth- 
ians can not compete with the theater on the theater's 
level. If the League's amusement features can not be 
kept free from suggestions of the play-house, they should 
be abandoned altogether. Self-respect and loyalty to the 
ideal of the League demand that we shall not surrender 
to these tendencies. They are the very tendencies which 
the League's social work is seeking to overcome. 

Socials Which Have: Been Successful. 

Calendar Exhibition. — This is a good plan to use 
early in the year. Portions of the room are assigned 
respectively to the young men, the young women, the re- 
cent Junior graduates, and others, in which to display 
collections of calendars. Blue ribbons are awarded to 
each of the several classes. The result in one place, 
where this social was given was amazing ; the large vestry 
and small vestry and two class-rooms were literally pa- 
pered with calendars. There was one from nearly every 
State in the Union, and many from foreign countries. 
An immense calendar was built on the platform, the 



SOCIAL AXD INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 323 



illustrations of which were a series of tableaux for the 
holidays, which., with music by the orchestra, constituted 
the entertainment. 

Silhouette Social . — For this, large sheets of white 
wrapping-paper are pinned to the wall, the subject being 
placed so a's to bring the shadow of the profile on the 
paper. The profile is outlined and then cut out. Upon 
the back of the paper remaining is written the name of 
the person represented, and then the paper is fastened 
upon a black curtain, which, showing through the head- 
shaped opening, gives it the appearance of a silhouette. 
The company tries to guess the names of the originals. 
In one Chapter this social caused considerable merri- 
ment, especially when one or two of the young men, un- 
observed, as they supposed, were seen slyly to pick out 
the silhouette of the young lady each admired the most 
and carry it away with them. 

An Army Camp-fire. — This picturesque social was held 
in the vestry of the Church, which was cleared for the 
occasion, and used for the encampment ground. The 
surrounding towns were scoured for discarded Christ- 
mas-trees. These were set up over the "held." The 
more trees the better, but care should be taken not to 
obstruct the view too much. About fifty trees were used. 
Here and there among the pines a tent was pitched with 
a sign over it, reading "Sandwiches, or "Doughnuts," 
or "Coffee.'" These made very good army rations. 
There were two huge campfires, of four-foot sticks and 
red-and-white electric lights. Members of the local Post 
of the Grand Army of the Republic were invited guests, 
and they attended in a body. They were escorted to 
their seats by the color-bearers and entire force in uni- 
form. Meanwhile, a soloist sang "The Star-Spangled 
Banner,'' and during the singing .of the last verse a large 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



American flag was unfurled over the platform. A mem- 
ber of the cavalry gave several bugle calls, and was 
followed by an excellent speaker on "Army life during 
the Civil War." The tents were furnished as nearly as 
possible as in the days of the Civil War. People entered 
the "field" through a large wall-tent. 

Fagot Party. — This social was held at a home where 
there were plenty of room and a good fireplace. Notice 
was previously given that each person must bring a 
fagot, and "fagots" were brought — all the way from a 
toothpick to a handle of a discarded snow-shovel. Kind- 
lings, with generous logs on top, had been placed on 
the hearth all ready for lighting after a short musical 
program. The fire was lighted and, as this furnished 
ample illumination, the gas was turned out. A young 
man stepped forward and, dropping his fagot into the 
fire, told one of his vacation experiences, the story last- 
ing until the stick was completely burned up. Care 
should be taken in advance to select a few bright speakers 
just to "break the ice," and then others will volunteer. 
Vacation pictures were on exhibition. Ice cream and 
cake proved welcome refreshments after the warmth of 
the open fireplace. 

A Paper Party is a form of entertainment which may 
be carried out in ways adapted to many varying condi- 
tions of style, time, or place. It may be a paper-wedding, 
an indoor tea-party, a garden-party, or a genuine picnic 
in the woods. It may be in the daytime or the even- 
ing, for young people or for old; but whatever style it 
takes, where or when it is held, it is sure to be enjoyable, 
because, in keeping with its general character, it must be 
informal. Young people might have lawn-parties, pic- 
nics, or outings of some kind oftener than they do' were 
it not for the work entailed in carrying dishes, laundering 
linen, and like things. 



SOCIAL AXD INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 325 



At the present time paper napkins, doilies, center- 
pieces, plates of various sizes, fancy cases for ices, salads 
and souffles, frills for croquettes, cups for salted nuts, 
and. in fact, nearly everything needed for decorating the 
table, or serving the food, may be bought. A case con- 
taining two hundred assorted pieces will cost but a dollar, 
while selected goods may be had at a trifle more. 

If lights are required. Japanese lanterns are the cor- 
rect thing, and if the party is in the open air the hostess 
should keep sticks of Chinese incense burning to drive 
away the insects. 

Small plates, or fancy dishes, may have the names 
of hostess and guests, with date and place written on 
them, to be given as souvenirs ; or, if tables are to be 
set, they may be prepared as name-cards or menus. It 
is useless to suggest gifts, for an almost endless list of 
dainty and inexpensive ones, that may be made of paper, 
will instantly suggest itself. 

The paper-party idea so completely adapts itself to 
individual requirements that each Chapter will evolve 
a distinctly different style of entertainment, the character 
of which will be designated in the wording of the invi- 
tations, which may be verbal, written, or printed, but 
must conform in style to the general character of the 
entertainment. 

Some Famous Sobriquets. — Much amusement may be 
derived from the use of numbered slips, distributed, with 
pencils, and followed by a card basket said to contain 
visiting-cards of many noted people who wish to be 
remembered by the people present. These visiting-cards 
are stuck all around the room, and the guests are in- 
vited to hunt up and write opposite the number on their 
slips the real names of famous persons represented. The 
cards might contain the following : 

1. The Grand Old Man. 2. Elia. 3. Bard of Ayr- 



326 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



shire. 4. The Iron Duke. 5. Light Horse Harry. 
6. The Liberator. 7. The Little Corporal. 8. The 
Little Giant. 9. Mad Anthony. 10. Bullion. 11. The 
Old Man Eloquent. 12. The Plumed Knight. 13. Black 
Jack. 14. Cousin Bridget. 15. Fighting Phil. 16. The 
Inspired Tinker. 17. Unconditional Surrender. 18. The 
Good Gray Poet. 19. The Swamp Fox. 20. The Bard 
of Avon. 21. Old Rough and Ready. 22. The Bard of 
Rydal Mount. 23. Sage of Monticello. 24. Mill Boy 
of the Slashes (also known as The Great Pacificator). 
25. Old Public Functionary. 26. Old Noll. 27. The Path- 
finder. 28. The Devil's Missionary. 29. The Rock of 
Chickamauga. 30. The Philosopher of Sans Souci. 

At the end of twenty minutes the Fourth Vice- 
President will read a correct list of the names. . It will 
be found that perhaps one only has correctly guessed 
the whole number. Many will miss at least half the 
list. The names are as follows : 

I. Gladstone. 2. Charles Lamb. 3. Burns. 4. Duke 
of Wellington. 5. Henry Lee. 6. Bolivar. 7. Napo- 
leon. 8. Stephen A. Douglas. 9. Anthony Wayne. 10. 
Thomas H. Benton. 11. J. Q. Adams. 12. J. G. Blaine. 
13. General Logan. 14. Mary Lamb. 15. Phil Kearney. 
16. John Bunyan. 17. General Grant. 18. Walt Whit- 
man. 19. General Marion. 20. Shakespeare. 21. Zach- 
ary Taylor. 22. Wordsworth. 23. Jefferson. 24. Henry 
Clay. 25. James Buchanan. 26. Oliver Cromwell. 27. 
John C. Fremont. 28. Voltaire. 29. General Thomas. 
30. Frederick the Great. 

Unfinished Titles. — At an informal evening party a 
very pleasant variation from the old game of "Book- 
titles" was introduced. Each guest received a type-written 
paper, headed "The Modern Literary Romance,'' con- 
taining a string of incomplete rhymes, with the instruc- 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 327 



tion that every blank was to be rilled by the title of some 
book not more than six years old. The space of twenty 
minutes was allowed for the contest, at the end of 
which the person having completed correctly the great- 
est number of lines received a book prize. 
The unfinished couplets were as follows : 

1. "The girl and heroine, my friends, 

Was known as — 

2. "She lived when Indians were in power, 

And not — 

3. "And in those past times, quaint and olden, 

She fell in love with — 

4. "Alas ! How fickle women are ! 
She soon began to love — 

5. "And when at length he grew quite bold, 
Said she was his — 

6. "She told him as his aims were a trifle too high, 
And left him to counsel with — 

7. "Now, after she turned her lover down, 

8. "Then, after ten days' sojourn there, 
Bestowed her sweet self on — 

9. "The task he undertook, you '11 guess, 
Was— 

10. "Then, when her friends began to marvel, 
A rival came, named — 

11. "These rivals met one summer day, 
Neither would give — 

12. "They slew each other, alas! and then 
'And then she married a man called — 

13. "The merry bells rang in each steeple, 
And loudly cheered — 

14. "They two rode off on a double bike, 
And lived at — 



328 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



15. "After they reached their house of stone, 
They had to live — 

16. "And now, lest you be moved to tears, 
You ought to read — 

The book titles, correspondingly numbered are : 

I. "Alice of Old Vincennes." 2. "When Knighthood 
Was in Flower." 3. "Eben Holden." 4. "Lazarre." 
5. "To Have and To Hold." 6. "D'ri and I." 7. "My 
Lady Peggy Goes to Town." 8. "Monsieur Beaucaire.'" 
9. "The Making of a Marchioness." 10. ''Richard Car- 
vel." 11. "The Right of Way." 12. "Bachelor Ben." 
13. "The Voice of the People." 14. "Stringtown on the 
Pike." 15. "By Bread Alone." 16. "The Cavaliers." 

One with a knack at rhyming could increase the list 
indefinitely, adding newer books than those listed here. 

An "Old-Fashioned School.'' — One Social Depart- 
ment gave "An Old- Fashioned School," which proved 
to be quite a success. Invitations were sent to each 
member. They read thus : 

School opens at the home of 

Thursday, February 14th, at 8 p. m. 

Don't Play "Hookey." 

Please dress as an old-fashioned school boy (or girl). 
Bring your tablet, pencil, and lunch. 



On the evening named, the crowd began coming earl}", 
and as each one came the interest grew stronger, as the 
different costumes were seen and commented upon. 
When the teacher succeeded in getting the pupils quiet, 
he began the daily recitations. For the geography lesson 
jumbled letters were given, out of which the names of 
large cities were to be made ; as, mbaotlrie — Baltimore, 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 329 



for instance. For arithmetic, numbers were given and 
the pupils were required to write them on their tablets 
and something each number suggested to them ; as, 60, 
"sixty minutes in an hour." 

For spelling, the pupils stood in a row. The first 
one spelled a geographical name beginning with A, and 
the next person spelled a name with the letter with which 
the one just spelled ended : For example, Arizona, Arctic, 
Chicago, etc. This continued until every one was spelled 
down but one, who was considered the winner. 

At this point recess was announced, and the lunch 
was eaten. It might be found quite interesting to pass 
the lunches promiscuously, so that each one would have 
another's lunch. After recess, there were literary exer- 
cises. Some of these were very amusing. 

Indoor Baseball. — Two leaders are chosen, and they 
select the players for each side. The game is played with 
small leaden disks which are thrown upon a board some 
two feet by three in size. Three sides of the board are 
inclosed by strips to prevent the disks from sliding off. 
The board is also ruled off into sections and marked as 
in the accompanying diagram. The naming of the sec- 
tions may be modified or left as they are. 



Home Run 


Three-base Hit 


Base on Bai<i«s 


Fouiv and Out 


Stolen Base 


One-Base Hit 


Two-base Hit 


Struck Out 


Out on Base 


Fi,y Caught 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Dictionary Girls. — Write out this numbered list of 
definitions on slips of paper, and hand a slip of paper 
and a pencil to each member. The prize (a pocket 
dictionary) is to be awarded to the one who has written 
after the largest number of definitions the name of the 
girls they describe. Of course a little latitude in spelling 
and pronunciation has been allowed. 

i. A sentimental singer. 2. Famous. 3. Silly. 4. 
Heretical. 5. A city officer. 6. Liveliness. 7. Dislike. 
8. Clergyman. 9. An old-fashioned flower. 10. A di- 
minutive person. 11. Liberal. 12. A drug. 13. Frail. 
14. The least possible. 15. The nurture of flowers. 
16. The Northern Lights. 17. A substitute for butter. 
18. To lessen. 19. To pacify. 20. Word study. 21. 
A fallen angel. 22. A seed for seasoning. 23. Bak- 
ing soda. 24. Pertaining to armies. 25. An unlawful 
act. 26. The act of lifting. 27. Vanishing. 28. A 
Florida reptile. 29. A many-sided figure. 30. To make 
better. 31. Pleasantness of manner. 32. A religious 
crank. 33. To change one's country. 34. Our old col- 
l e g e - 35- Untrustworthy. 36. A ridiculous drawing. 

The answers are as follows: 1. Sara Nader. 2. 
Emma Nent. 3. Maud Lin. 4. Hettie Rodox. 5. May 
Or. 6. Annie Mation. 7. Annie Mosity. 8. Minnie 
Ster. 9. Mary Gold. 10. Lillie Putian. 11. Jennie 
Rosity. 12. Bella Donna. 13. Delia Kate. 14. Minnie 
Mum. 15. Flora Culture. 16. Aurora Borealis. 17. 
Ola Margarine. 18. Mittie Gate. 19. Mollie Fie. 20. 
Etta Mology. 21. Lucy Fer. 22. Cora Ander. 23. 
Sallie Ratus. 24. Millie Tary. 25. Viola Tion. 26. 
Ella Vation. 27. Eva Nescent. 28. Allie Gator. 29. 
Polly Gon. 30. Amelia Rate. 31. Amy Bility. 32. Fay 
Natic. 33. Emma Grate. 34. Alma Mater. 35. Faith 
Less. 36. Carrie Cature. 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 331 



An Illinois Epworthian describes what he calls "An 
Indoor Field Meet." 

We announced the "meet" at one of our member's 
homes and charged a small admission at the gate (door). 
Much secrecy was preserved in regard to the affair, so 
that every one was expectant. After the company had 
arrived, it was divided into six groups, each group 
lepresenting a different college. To each group were 
given colors and yells. Six different rooms may be 
given over to the various events, but as we had large 
rooms, we had two events in each room, and one person 
was put in charge of each of the events. Much merri- 
ment was created by the various yells, which sounded 
very enthusiastic in the confines of a private home. 

The six events were as follows : 

I. Vocal high jump. 2. Turn, step, and draw. 3. 
Standing broad grin. 4. Putting the shot. 5. Discus 
throw. 6. Football. 

The winners for each college were given little silver 
cardboard medals. These were kept until later in the 
evening, when winners from all the "schools" contested 
for medals of gold cardboard. 

In event No. 1 the contestants stood in line, one school 
at a time, and in succession were told to strike both low 
and high do of the vocal scale. The efforts of the un- 
musical were very funny, while every looker-on was con- 
vulsed. 

In event No. 2 each contestant stood in front of a 
blackboard, facing it; each was given a piece of chalk 
and then told to turn quickly, take a step, and draw a line. 
The idea was to draw as long and straight a line as pos- 
sible. 

In event No. 3 each contestant stepped upon a slight 



EPWORTH league methods. 



elevation and, facing the other contestants, was toM 
to grin as broadly as possible for the space of one 
minute. 

In event No. 4 the contestants were each provided 
with little bottles and a quantity of shot, the idea being 
to put as many as possible of the globules into the bottle 
in a given length of time. 

In event No. 5 Indian clubs were placed on the floor, 
and each contestant was given six little hoops which he 
tried to throw over the top of each club. 

In event No. 6 two schools contested at a time, lining 
up on either side of three little sewing tables placed in 
an unbroken row. In the center of this "field" was placed 
an empty egg shell, and then, with hands behind back, 
each line-up endeavored to blow the egg off the other side 
of the table. 

Other events can be arranged for, but with us this 
was sufficient for a delightful evening. 

Telegram Social. — Night-message telegraph blanks 
were secured, and one given to each person present, with 
the letters of the surname written at intervals on the 
blank. The spaces were to be filled with a sentence, 
which might be a telegram, using the letters of the name 
for the first letter in the words of the message. This 
brought out some very bright and witty messages, a vote 
being taken as to which was the best. 

Baby Reception. — A reception was given by one 
Chapter to all the babies under three years of age. There 
were over a hundred babies present. 
"Babies fat and babies lean, 
Babies crumpled, and babies clean ; 
Eyes of black and blue and brown, 
All are pretty ones in our town." 



SOCIAL AXD INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 333 



The ladies had on sale home-made candy,, ice-cream, 
whole cakes, dolls, and toys. An admission of 5 cents 
for children and 10 cents for adults was charged. Babies 
with an attendant were admitted free. 

A Mysterious Trip. — The chairs and settees of the 
vestry were arranged to form a maze, and in every con- 
ceivable place were placed cards which were numbered, 
and on each of which was a conundrum. The answers 
were the names of cities or towns in Massachusetts. For 
example, "A good fishing ground and a necessary ar- 
ticle," was Brookline. All the guests were divided into 
groups by distributing cards bearing the letters of the 
alphabet, and each group was given a standard with its 
letter on both sides. The task was to make the mysteri- 
ous trip in parties near their own standard and to record 
the places which they visited. Later the assembly was 
seated, still in groups, and the answers were given from 
the platform. As multiples were reached in reading the 
correct answers, each party calculated the whole number 
they had correct, and the party having the largest number 
correct was allowed to keep its standard upon the plat- 
form. There were about fifty conundrums. These will 
suggest themselves when the list of towns is studied. 
The parties being arranged wholly by chance, the com- 
radeship engendered by the trip was its most successful 
feature. 

A "Missionary Journey:" — At Los Angeles, under the 
joint auspices of the Missionary Department of the Ep- 
worth League Chapter and the young ladies' missionary 
society, this journey was successfully performed. The 
room was decorated with Japanese lanterns, and flags 
of some of the countries in which Methodist mission work 
in done. 



334 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 

Shortly after arriving each one was given a ticket, 
of which the following is a fac-simile : 



LOS ANGELES AND YOKOHAMA 
AIR LINE 



Good for One Passage Between 
LOS ANGELES 
and 
YOKOHAMA. 
This ticket is not good after 
June 6. 
Void if Detached. 



General Passenger and Ticket Agent, 
E. B. SWEET. 
Division Superintendent, 
PEARL STRONG. 





AFRICA : 




Urntali. 


Monrovia. 


Angola. 




INDIA: 




Lucknow. 


Darjeeling. 


Ajmere. 




CHINA : 




Peking. 


Foochow. 


Chinkiang. 




KOREA : 




Seoul. 


Chemulpo. 


Pyeng-yang. 




JAPAN : 




Tokio. 


Hakodate. 


Yokohama. 



Whereupon the travelers, beginning the journey, first 
landed in Africa, the first of several huge maps sketched 
on the floor. Here they were greeted by a guide, who 
described the mission work and workers in this field, con- 
ducting them through Urntali, Monrovia, and Angola. 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 335 



Passing on to India, one was next introduced to the 
portrait faces of our missionaries in Lucknow, Darjeel- 
ing, and Ajmere. 

Peking, Foochow, and Chinkiang in China were next 
viewed. A little Chinese girl punched the tickets at these 
stations, and much valuable information was given. 

Korea was visited, and a returned missionary, 
with her little son, dressed in Korean costume, made the 
work especially appealing. 

Then on to beautiful Japan, with her charming 
Japanese maidens, completed the traveling. 

A program was rendered as follows : 

1. Japanese songs, by Japanese maiden. 

2. Reading, "Becky's Bargain for the Heathen," Miss 
McKenan. 

3. Song, "When He cometh," by Jessie (a wee Chi- 
nese girlie). 

4. A missionary address by a returned missionary 
from Korea. 

A Rubber Social. — An Ohio Chapter gave a "rubber 
social." Each member gathered up as much old rubber 
•as he could find, and brought it to the Church. Here 
it was weighed. The person bringing the most received 
the first prize — a pound box of choice candy. The Ep- 
worthian who received first prize brought forty-nine 
pounds, consisting of old boots, overshoes, etc. Another 
brought forty pounds, and received second prize. In all, 
about one hundred and fifty pounds were brought. The 
evening was spent in conversation, music, and games of 
various kinds. Luncheon was served. There was no 
charge for refreshments. The old rubber was sold, and 
the money went to help a colored girl in the South get 
an education. 

By the use of a little ingenuity it would be possible 



336 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



to construct a program appropriate to the idea of the 
social. The methods of gathering the crude rubber, and 
of preparing it for commercial use, might be described. 
The company could be given cards and pencils, and asked 
to write as long a list of articles made of rubber as they 
could in five minutes. A simple prize to the one getting 
the longest list would be in order. 

In case a charge was made for refreshments, the bill 
of fare might be written in pencil, and a bit of rubber 
furnished each one present with which to erase the items 
of the menu not desired. This would require a price to be 
set on each article, which could be fixed low enough so 
that a good selection might easily be made for ten or 
fifteen cents. 

All Ages. — Give each person pencil and paper. Read 
the list which follows, and ask all to write opposite the 
proper number the word which fits the description. Give 
the answer to No. I by way of illustration. 

i. The age of sacks — Baggage. 2. The disastrous 
age — Wreckage. 3. The age of great things — Tonnage. 
4. The musical age — Bandage. 5. The feudal age — Vas- 
salage. 6. The age of no progress — Stoppage. 7. The* 
dog age — Courage. 8. The intoxicating age — Rummage. 
9. The age of security — Bondage. 10. The age of pry- 
ing — Peerage. 11. The age of free transit — Passage. 
12. The age of soothing ointments — Salvage. 13. The 
age of fences — Postage. 14. The age of clothing — Garb- 
age. 15. The greengage age — Plumage. 16. The doc- 
tor's age — Pillage. 17. The impudent age — Sausage. 
18. The age of pious travelers — Pilgrimage. 19. The 
pygmy age — Shortage. 20. The money age — Coinage. 
21. The age that grows less — Shrinkage. 22. The age 
of pain — Suffrage. 23. The age of bloodshed — Carnage. 
24. The age beyond your own — Pasturage. 25. The age 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 337 



without women — Manage. 26. The vehicle ages — Cab- 
bage and cartage. , 27. The age of gentle modesty — 
Demurrage. 28. The age when "Uncle Tom's Cabin'' 
will be most popular — Stowage. 

After the list is completed, each one will pass his 
paper to his right-hand neighbor, and then the answers 
will be read, and each list will be marked. A prize may- 
be given to {he person who has the largest number of 
correct answers. 

Another form of this game is the "International 
Game," with the following list of words : 

I. Nation of beginnings — Germination. 2. Actors' 
nation — Impersonation. 3. Nation for criminals — Con- 
demnation. 4. Murderers' nation — Assassination. 5. 
Nation for astonished people — Consternation. 6. Nation 
for rulers — Domination. 7. Nation for their subjects — 
Subordination. 8. Nation for pests — Extermination. 9. 
Nation provoking disapproval — Abomination. 10. Teach- 
ers' nation — Explanation. 11. The pupils' nation — Ex- 
amination. 12. The rebel's nation — Alienation. 13. Na- 
tion for labor unions — Combination. 14. Nation for 
unwilling people — Declination. 15. Nation for smallpox 
patients — Vaccination. 16. Soothsayers' nation — Divina- 
tion. 17. A floral nation — Carnation. 18. A politician's 
nation — Nomination. 19. Nation for contagious diseases 
— Contamination. 20. Nation for seed sowers — Dissemi- 
nation. 21. Nation for deer — Stagnation. 22. Nation 
for the resolute — Determination. 23. Nation for choir 
boys — Intonation. 24. Nation for a new king — Corona- 
tion. 25. Nation for the deluded — Hallucination. 26. 
The poets' nation — Imagination. 27. Nation for travel- 
ers — Destination. 28. Nation for those whose official 
usefulness is ended — Resignation. 29. Nation for be- 
nevolent people — Donation. 30. A charming nation — 
22 



338 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Fascination. 31. A nation of sects — Denomination. 32. 
The critic's nation — Discrimination. 33. The nation at 
the climax — Culmination. 34. The nation we have now 
reached — Termination. 

A Halloween Social. — For the purpose of creating 
interest and increasing its membership, an Indiana Chap- 
ter adopted the contest plan. The members had all 
agreed that the losing division should entertain the new 
members and the victorious at the social. This social 
was given in the Church parlor on Hallowe'en. The 
room was beautifully decorated with Chinese lanterns, 
bouquets of flowers, potted plants, and autumn leaves, 
while here and there was placed a pumpkin jack-o'-lan- 
tern to give a touch of the old-time customs of Hallow- 
e'en. 

As the guests arrived the committee handed each one 
a small white card, upon which was written a letter and 
a number. This they were told to keep until later in 
the evening. After a half-hour of greeting and social 
chat, the guests were asked to be seated while a very 
pleasant program of instrumental music, recitations, and 
songs was presented. 

The captain then told the guests that the letters they 
held were to be formed into words, and that each per- 
son was to find as many others as possible holding the 
same number as his own. A merry search ensued, and 
the words were soon found. It was not hard to see 
that i-p-e stood for pie, k-p-m-i-u-p-n was pumpkin, etc. 
As soon as a word was formed it was reported to the 
captain, who placed it upon a blackboard. When all the 
words were written, the guests were informed that they 
were expected to make a rhyme of them. 

On account of a rumor that the lunch to be served 
was to consist of pumpkin, the rhyme chosen was: 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 339 



"O, what a wondrous dunce am I, 
To be expecting pumpkin pie !" 

This over, the guests were again asked to be seated 
while the ladies would serve a three-course luncheon. 
The first course, which was called salad, was a piece of 
parsley, to which was tied a cracker and a small slip of 
paper containing "A peep into the future,'' such as 
"Your face is your fortune," "You will have many joys 
in life." 

Each guest was then handed a package, which proved 
to be a wooden pie plate containing an apple, some nuts 
and candy, all securely wrapped in a Chinese napkin. At 
the last the ladies passed popcorn balls, into which had 
been molded a small ball of cotton. 

Peanuts. — The peanut party is capable of many vari- 
ations. 

One which was given by an Epworth League Presi- 
dent for the Juniors is thus reported. Neat invitations 
were sent to each boy and girl. They were written on 
slips of tinted paper, inclosed in a peanut, with the 
meats removed, and tied with narrow tinted ribbon. Be- 
fore the arrival of the children, peanuts were hidden in 
the draperies, under stools, in corners, in the flower pots, 
and in other places about the rooms. When the little 
guests arrived it was announced that the boy or girl find- 
ing the greatest number of peanuts would receive a small 
prize. The luncheon consisted of peanut sandwiches and 
lemonade, served by little boys and girls dressed to repre- 
sent peanuts. 

At another peanut party, the first game was "Pea- 
nuts." The peanuts were placed in small dishes on the 
tables, and each player was given a hatpin. At a given 
signal the players "went after" the peanuts with the hat 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



pins, no one being allowed to pick them up with his 
fingers. After the nuts were all out of the dishes they 
were counted, and the one having the most on his hatpin 
won the game, and had the privilege of eating the nuts 
he had taken out. The rest of the players played the 
game over and over again until each one was out and 
all the peanuts were gone. The game was played in this 
way rather than in the old progressive way in order to 
avoid giving a prize. 

A "peanut race" came next. Two plates, each con- 
taining nine peanuts, were placed on one table, and two 
empty ones on another. Each of two players were given 
a silver knife and told to carry the peanuts on the knife 
to a plate on the other table. The one whose nine peanuts 
first arrived safely on the other side won the game. 

To choose partners for refreshments, a dish contain- 
ing peanut shells, tied with red and white ribbon, was 
passed. The boys were given the ones tied with white 
ribbon (containing the first half of a quotation), and 
the girls, the . ones tied with red ribbon (containing the 
last half of the quotation). After the quotations were 
properly matched, refreshments consisting of ices, cakes, 
and salted peanuts, were served. 

Many modifications of the peanut party are possible. 
In a small company much amusement may be aroused 
by the making and dressing of quaint Chinese figures 
of peanuts, using crape paper for the costumes. First 
the peanuts are strung to form the manikins, then eyes, 
nose, and mouth are marked on the "head," and the 
jackets cut and fitted. Peanut vines may be easily grown 
for table decorations. They sprout in a few days from 
raw peanuts planted in the earth. For refreshments 
peanut sandwiches, nut cakes, nut bonbons, and other 
combinations which include the peanut may be readily 
secured. 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 341 



A List of Authors. — For the social gatherings are 
always needed some new ideas to enliven conversation. 
Here is a list of suggestive plays on words in connection 
with well-known authors. They could be effectively used 
as questions for brain ticklers. 

The oldest author — Adams. The youngest author — 
Child. The healthy author — Hale. The sickly author — 
Haggard. The farmer's author — Fields. The sports- 
man's author — Hunt. The dairyman's author — Cowper. 
The warrior's author — Shakespeare. The ditcher's author 
— Trench. The jeweler's author — Goldsmith. The an- 
gler's author — Hooker. The chef's author — Cooke. The 
suburban author — Townsend. The domestic author — 
Holmes. The greedy author — Hogg. The woodland 
author — Hawthorne. The cunning author — Fox. The 
pontifical author — Pope. The evasive author — Dodge. 
The submarine author — Cable. The painful author — 
Bunyan. The groaning author — Payne. The aboriginal 
author — Savage. The blistering author — Burns. The 
refreshing author — Brooks. The breakfast author — 
Bacon. The chorister's author — Sangster. The dinner 
author — Lamb. 

Mother Goose. — This is a social for large gather- 
ings, and will work better in the parlors of the Church. 
Prepare several melodies for tableaux. These should be 
rendered, leaving the audience to guess what melodies 
are represented. Egg-shaped cards, containing numbers 
for answers, should be passed to all. The following 
are but a few of many which can easily and successfully 
be represented : A young man attired as a lad in his 
teens, sitting in the corner with a pie in his possession 
from which he is extracting a huge plum, may well 
represent "Little Jack Horner." A small maid, holding 
a shepherd's crook, and reclining on a rock, asleep, may 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



represent "little Bo-Peep." A red illumination may give 
to these tableaux the desired effect. A carefully designed 
spider, so prepared as to make an approach upon a Miss 
partaking of some gruel, will designate "Little Miss 
Muffett." Two young men, with black-beaked head- 
gears, sitting upon a large branch of a tree, could well 
imitate "Two Black Crows." The above are only a few 
suggestions as to the nature of the tableaux. Others 
such as "King Cole," "Mother Hubbard," "Jack and 
Jill," and so on, may easily and successfully be ren- 
dered. 

"G-u-e" — jj. — This is a variation of the verbal puzzle, 
used by a Missouri Chapter. The invitations were 
rhymed, one couplet running: 

"At your time of life you ought to see 
What fun you can find in 'G-u-e/ " 

Cards were distributed bearing fifteen questions, 
which are given below, together with the proper answers : 

I. What is the most unruly member? Tongue. 2. 
" What is a partner in debate? Colleague. 3. What 
Causes one to shake? Ague. 4. What is peculiar to 
foreigners speaking English? Brogue. 5. What is the 
ancient name for a church building? Synagogue. 6. 
What is the distance called equal to three miles ? League. 
7. What do people do when they disagree? Argue. 8. 
What did God give to Moses on tables of stone? Deca- 
logue. 9. What do we call a list of names? Catalogue. 

10. What are some of you studying to be? Pedagogues. 

11. What did the children of Israel have to endure? 
Plagues. 12. What is a synonym for exhaustion? Fa- 
tigue. 13. What is a conversation between two people? 
Dialogue. 14. What do we call a noisy address? 
Harangue. 15. What society is furnishing you this en- 
tertainment? League. 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 343 



The list does not profess to be exhaustive, and an 
entirely new list may be made if desired. 

Authors and Their Works. — At a social given by a 
Maine Chapter the social committee had provided slips 
of paper containing the names of well-known authors 
or one of their works. These slips were pinned to mem- 
bers as they arrived, and they were told to find the group 
to which they belonged, the works of each author se- 
lected being grouped about him. Each group was ex- 
pected to contribute something characteristic, and they 
were given ten minutes in which to prepare. 

The Shakespeare group presented a short program 
of Shakespeare songs and readings, closing with the col- 
lege boys' song, "Romeo and Juliet," sung by the entire 
group. One group introduced conundrums based on the 
author's books ; another a charade. The last group in- 
troduced the "humanophone." The leader ushered in 
eight young ladies, appropriately costumed. Seven of 
them lined up in front of the eighth, who held a baton, 
and manipulated the "instrument." Each of the seven 
represented one note of the scale, and as the baton was 
pointed at her she bent forward and gave a loud "pom" 
on that key, the whole tune being "America," sung very 
slow at first, and then very rapidly. The whole effect 
was absurdly funny. 

A "Jumble" Social. — The program, as given by an 
Iowa Chapter, was "a perfect jumble" from first to last. 
The first number was a piano duet, one player giving, say, 
Mendelssohn's "Wedding March," the other executing 
the "Dead March" from "Saul." The pastor gave a 
ten-minute address on five different topics. Two ladies 
recited simultaneously, one giving a selection of the gen- 
eral character of the "Charge of the Light Brigade," 
while the other recited a poem in the "Psalm of Life" 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



class. "Jumbled names" kept the pencils of the company 
busy for ten strenuous minutes, at the end of which a 
big ginger cookie "jumble" was given to the player who 
first untangled the name- jumble. Jumbles were the cen- 
tral feature of the refreshments served. 

Outune Hints for Socials. 

In the paragraphs which follow hints of various helps 
for the social evening are given. In some cases the idea 
has been elaborated to fill out an entire evening. In 
others it is not intended to be more than a mere ice- 
breaker. The space at our disposal would be insufficient 
to describe in full one-tenth of these ideas, but the hints 
given are such that most Epworthians, by a little personal 
thought and the exercise of native ingenuity, can fill in the 
details with entire satisfaction to themselves and the peo- 
ple whose entertainment they have undertaken to pro- 
vide. There is given much more than enough in the 
way of hints and suggestions to provide a social for 
every week in the year. 

Flower tableaux in which characters that suggest 
flowers are represented by variations in costume and 
other accessories, are always effective. 

Progressive conversation is easily arranged. Themes 
previously decided upon are to be discussed three or five 
minutes each, after which one member of each couple 
moves forward to find a new partner in conversation. 

Have an old members' social, including a reunion of 
those who were active in the work in other days, and the 
reading of letters from those who are not able to be pres- 
ent in person. Speeches, reminiscent and prophetic, are 
appropriate at such a gathering. 

Of great value are students' receptions at the begin- 
ning of the school year. Decorate with the school colors 
and banners. Sing school and college songs. 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 345 



Hold a traveling social. This may be made a sort of 
progressive banquet, in which one course is served in one 
home, the next in another a block or two away, and so 
through the entire menu. The plan may be varied by 
considering each home visited as a different country, and 
adapting the decorations, refreshments, and other ar- 
rangements to that plan. 

A barter social has elements of wholesome fun in it. 
Each one attending it is expected to bring an article 
whose value does not exceed a certain specified sum, 
usually five or ten cents. It may be wrapped in any 
manner, and the more ingeniously done, so as to hide any 
indication of its real character, the better. As soon as all 
have arrived the trading begins. Each one strives to ex- 
change his bundle for one that seems to hold out greater 
possibilities. There is no limit to the number of ex- 
changes that can be made, but after a certain time all 
trading must cease. Then the packages are opened, and 
the fun will be at its height in the disclosures that are 
made and the surprises that await the traders. 

A drawing social is capable of almost infinite variety. 
A favorite form is devoted to Mother Goose drawings. 
Each person is required to draw a picture which will il- 
lustrate some Mother Goose rhyme. When the drawings 
are completed they are placed on exhibition where all 
may inspect them, and a judging contest begins, to de- 
cide what each drawing probably represents. After 
Mother Goose has been exhausted a wide range of sub- 
jects is available. Flowers, animals, buildings, maps, 
people, all will afford abundant material for interest and 
amusement. 

A composite novel. This is a plan of story-writing 
which is intended to draw upon as large a variety of 
talent as possible. A number of long sheets of paper are 



346 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



provided, and each person in a group of from five to ten 
is asked to write the first paragraph of a story. The 
second person in the group takes the story thus begun and 
writes the second paragraph, and so on down to the end. 
The completed stories are read to the entire company. 

A plate of dates. Where all of those present are of 
practically equal scholastic attainments much interest can 
be aroused in a ten-minute contest to determine who can 
give the greatest number of dates, with the events that 
made these dates historic. 

Exhibit of amateur photographs. This requires no 
description. Each amateur in the Chapter is asked to 
bring a collection of photographs with descriptions at- 
tached. 

The advertisement hunt. A number of familiar ad- 
vertisements are cut from current newspapers and maga- 
zines in such a way that there will be no lettering on 
them to indicate the commodity which they exploit. A 
great deal of interest and amusement can be secured from 
the blunders made in the attempt to identify these adver- 
tisements, most of which are under our eyes every day 
in our newspapers. 

Try a contest of city nicknames. Then of State nick- 
names. 

The art gallery, which is a burlesque imitation of a 
real exhibit, has long been popular, and is not yet worn 
out. Any group of quick-witted young people can easily 
make up a list of subjects for the catalogue of the gallery. 

There is yet plenty of life and liveliness in the old- 
fashioned "matches" in spelling, in pronouncing, in geo- 
graphical knowledge, and other things that everybody 
ought to know. 

The social of the senses. This requires five rooms, or 
five sections of one room. In one the sense of touch 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 347 

is to be exercised. Articles hidden under a cloth may 
be felt, and their nature and composition determined in 
that method. In another place the sense of smell has its 
opportunity. Odoriferous articles are provided, and the 
composition of each is to be determined by its odor. In 
the sight section various tests may be applied, as to grada- 
tions of color, comparison of length of lines and area of 
surfaces, and so on. In the taste section the articles 
which are provided are disguised as much as possible, 
except to the sense of taste. For example, a series of 
white powders can be provided, each reduced to the same 
consistency. Flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and other 
harmless substances will provide material for this section. 

Parlor football. This is played with an empty egg- 
shell and a dining-table extended to its full length. Sides 
are chosen, a goal set up at either end of the table, and 
the sport consists in playing a fast and furious game of 
football, each side endeavoring to blow the egg between 
the goal posts of the opposing team. The players should 
be seated so that their chins are on a level with the table. 

The game of chains. This may be played with the 
names of cities, States, authors, books, or other classes 
of proper names. The first player names a city, for exam- 
ple. The second one must name another city whose first 
letter is the last letter of the city previously named. 
Player number three must name a city which begins with 
the last letter of city number two, and so on. The player 
who can not name a city according to the conditions be- 
fore he is counted out must leave the game at the count 
of ten. The game continues until all but one have fallen 
by the wayside. 

Descriptive initials. Prepare a list of initials of noted 
people, and construct from these initials descriptive 
phrases which may be fairly said to apply to the persons 



348 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



represented. For example, "Always Loyal" is Abraham 
Lincoln; "Tireless Reformer," Theodore Roosevelt; etc. 
A little ingenuity will be able to devise many variations 
on this idea, using the initials of Chapter members, or 
local celebrities, or popular books. In playing this game 
slips containing the various descriptive phrases are dis- 
tributed. The member who makes that list which is near- 
est correct wins the honors of the contest. 

The Tower of Babel social. This is a good social for 
a city Chapter. Let the program be given in as many 
languages as possible. English for one number, Ger- 
man for another, Swedish for another, Italian for an- 
other, and so on through the entire list of available lan- 
guages. As far as possible let each language be spoken 
by one to whom it is his mother tongue. Greater inter- 
est will be attached to this social, if famous selections are 
given. For example, the Frenchman might sing "The 
Marseillaise," the German could sing "The Watch on 
the Rhine," or "The Lorelei," or repeat a striking pas- 
sage from "Faust." 

The social of the nations is a variation of the Tower 
of Babel social. It affords wide scope for individual in- 
genuity in the designing of costumes and in the prepara- 
tion of an appropriate program. Half-a-dozen nations 
may be represented by fittingly attired people, who serve 
characteristic refreshments, or who render national songs, 
or who do anything else that accords with their assumed 
nationality. For this social all the exercises should be 
in English. 

The hundred dollar social. Each one in attendance is 
presented with a check for $100, and instructed to spend 
the money. The various items for which he would spend 
it are to be indorsed on the back of the check. Later the 
checks are collected, and the shopping lists read, the com- 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 349 



pany endeavoring to identify the spender by his disposi- 
tion of the money. Other financial features may be 
added to make this distinctively a social of the money 
power. 

Word-building. Take the name of your Church or 
other word or words not exceeding twelve letters, and 
containing as many vowels as possible. Set a time limit 
within which each participant shall strive to build as 
many words from the letters given as possible. A small 
pocket dictionary may be given as a prize to the one hav- 
ing the largest list. 

Preferences. Provide a blank for each guest on which 
he may write his personal preferences, as, for instance, 
his favorite poem, his favorite flower, author, character 
in history, color, amusement, occupation, food, and so 
on. A selection from these preferences may be read later 
in the evening. 

Games. A social in which a large assortment of 
harmless and simple games is provided will usually be a 
success. Draw on the personal possessions of the various 
members for materials, and put them all into the common 
stock for the purposes of the evening. 

Candy-making. The old-fashioned candy-pull still 
has power to charm, and yet we need not be tied to the 
one solitary method of making candy. Nearly everv 
cook-book nowadays has an assortment of good candv 
recipes, and they are all the better, in some respects at 
least, when made at a social by a large number of cooks. 
What the candy lacks in elegance and perfection of flavor 
will not be missed, while the good fellowship and hilaritv 
developed in the candy-making process will be worth 
more than all the candy that may be concocted. 

Shadows. In a home where there are connecting par- 
lors and an arch between them, a shadow program may 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



be easily arranged. By a little ingenuity a good deal of 
variety may be introduced into the shadow performances. 
Charades may be given in shadow pantomime. 

An acquaintance social. Give each attendant a list of 
all the members of the Chapter. Armed with this every 
member is expected during the evening to meet every 
other member present, and engage in more or less ex- 
tended conversation. After checking off the names of 
all absent members the conversation should continue until 
every person on the list has met every other person. 
Toward the close of the evening there will be some lively 
scurrying to comply with this condition. 

A corn social in the fall will take well, with ears of 
corn, corn-stalks, and pop-corn for decorations, corn 
products for refreshments, a guessing contest as to num- 
ber of grains on a selected ear, and the recital of Mrs. 
Allerton's "Walls of Corn" and other appropriate se- 
lections. 

National socials are always attractive if well worked 
out. An evening each may be given to such countries as 
England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, the Philip- 
pines, with the appropriate costumes, music, recitations, 
reading, and refreshments for each country represented. 

Eurlesque clairvoyance or mind-reading is interesting 
when skillfully done. The mind-reader and the "lec- 
turer" are, of course, in collusion, having previously de- 
termined on a code of signals which change with each 
test, so as to confuse the would-be detectors of the system. 

A State social, appropriate to any of the States, with 
State flower in decorations, pictures of historic events 
and people, stories of pioneer days, appropriate readings 
from standard literature, tableaux showing industries, 
and characteristic products of the State prominent on the 
refreshment tables. 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 351 



An abbreviated social, in which everything is cut short, 
medleys, piano solos, and other musical features stopped 
in the middle, progressive conversations with changes at 
unexpected moments, "follow my leader," unfinished 
stories, stopping just on the verge of the thrill, and re- 
freshments which, when first served are short as to quan- 
tity, but which, of course, may be lengthened. 

"My Native State" social requires that each one at- 
tending shall wear something to indicate his native State, 
a sunflower for Kansas, a buckeye seed or leaf for Ohio, 
a wooden nutmeg for Connecticut, and so on, each using 
his own ingenuity to get up novel State symbols. As a 
part of this social count off "one, two, one, two," and re- 
quire each of the ones or twos to stand and deliver an 
eulogy on his native State. 

Hold a burlesque oratorical contest, with orations 
wholly extempore, based on themes handed by the pre- 
siding officer to the respective contestants. It will be an 
evening of pure fun. 

Musical evenings, each devoted to a special kind of 
music, will draw good audiences. From the musical re- 
sources available arrange such programs as "Songs of 
the Old Folks," "Songs of Places," "Songs of the Sea/' 
"The Songs of Yesterday," "Plantation Songs," "Songs 
of the Nations," "American National Songs," etc. 

If you are within reach of the trolley, it is almost al- 
ways possible to arrange a delightful trolley party dur- 
ing the summer months. 

Provide sheets of paper bearing the jumbled names 
of noted authors, or statesmen, or musicians, or other 
well-known personages, as, for instance, "Tealyatef," for 
Lafayette, and give some simple recognition to the ones 
who decipher the most names within a given time. 

Chewing-gum sculpture often produces merriment 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



when more ambitious attempts fail. The equipment in- 
cludes a stick of chewing gum, a bit of pastebord, and 
a toothpick for each competitor. All are instructed to 
"sculp" any animal they choose out of the bit of plastic 
gum and to mount the result on the card, writing the 
name of the animal the gum is supposed to portray. 

In an egg social the menus are egg-shaped, and also 
the waitresses' aprons ; the salt-cellars are half-eggs, and 
the bill of fare is emphatically "eggsy." Combine with 
this the numerical bill of fare, with its mysterious list of 
ten numbers, from which each person may order dishes 
represented by five of the numbers. The fun of this de- 
vice consists in the interspersing between the more sub- 
stantial eatables such articles as dried apples, water, 
toothpicks, sugar, and butter. The numbers give no clue 
to the articles they represent, so that each person's order 
is a frank "leap into the dark." 

A representation by costume and appropriate games of 
various holidays, such as Washington's Birthday, St. Val- 
entine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, May-day, Fourth of 
July, Arbor-day, Thanksgiving, Labor-day. 

An indoor picnic, arranging the house in imitation of 
picnic grounds, with signs reading "Lovers' Lane," "To 
the Lake," "The Race Course" (where potato, peanut, 
clothespin, and doughnut races may be held), "The 
Lawn" (with parlor croquet, table tennis, and bean-bag 
games), and other appropriate places. Conduct every- 
thing in picnic style. 

"Just a blot" — a drop of ink on a sheet of paper, then 
pressed upon with another sheet of paper. From the re- 
sulting blot evolve with the pen whatever its shape may 
suggest. 

A college social, with caps and gowns, college colors, 
pictures, and souvenirs, a few stories of college life, a 



SOCIAL AXD INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 353 



"terra examination" in burlesque, college songs, and 
"fudge." 

A plantation social, with cotton flower decorations, 
cotton-trimmed costumes, Southern tableaux, plantation 
melodies, hoe-cake, hominy, and syrup. 

A celebrity social, using unlabeled portraits of great 
personages for a guessing contest, stories of famous folk, 
and a vote for the ten most famous Americans. 

The tongue twisters, with various tests of ability to 
repeat rapidly, an}' of the following ancient "twisters :" 

1. One old ostrich ordering oranges. 2. Two timid 
toads trying to trot to Tarrytown. 3. Three terrible, 
thumping tigers tickling trout. 4. Four fat friars fan- 
ning flickering flames. 5. Five frivolous foreigners flee- 
ing from fabulous snipe. 6. Six Scottish soldiers suc- 
cessively shooting snipe. 7. Seven serious Southerners 
setting sail from Switzerland. 8. Eight eager emigrants 
earnestly examining elements. 9. Nine nimble noblemen 
nibbling nuts. 10. Ten tremendous tomtits twittering on 
the tops of three tall trees. 11. Eleven enormous ele- 
phants elegantly eating Easter eggs. 12. Twelve tired 
tailors thoughtfully twisting twine. Or another one, 
without the aid of alliteration: 1. A good fat hen. 2. 
Two ducks. 3. Three plump partridges. 4. Four 
squawking wild geese. 5. Five hundred Limerick oys- 
ters. 6. Six pairs of Don Alphonso's tweezers. 7. Seven 
hundred Macedonian horsemen, rank and file drawn up 
in order of battle. 8. Eight cages of He. Hi, Ho, bibulous 
sparrow kites. 9. Xine floating fly-boats, floating from 
Fort Manilus to Damascus, laden with fruits and flowers. 
10. Ten diacaustic. dogmatic, diathetic, parallel proposi- 
tions proposed to be received by all mankind. 

One Chapter has divided its membership into three 
23 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



sections for the purpose of holding League parties. 
These are supported by free-will offerings, and. are held 
at private homes which have been kindly opened for the 
evening. One was held at the pastor's home. Each per- 
son who was invited had been requested to represent 
some book or song. Many new and old books were rep- 
resented. Some of the best were "Ivanhoe," "Innocents 
Abroad," "Nicholas Nickleby," "The Lamplighter," and 
"Black Rock." While the young people were finding out 
the names, they were getting better acquainted with each 
other. Later in the evening the company was divided 
into two parts. Slips were given out, with conundrums 
on them. After the opposing sides had looked over their 
respective conundrums, these were read before the entire 
company. If the other side guessed, it was privileged to 
choose some one from its opponent's side. 

A helpful exercise at the close of the year is a recep- 
tion to the members of your Chapter who are finishing 
their school career. Some are graduating, some leaving 
school to enter business or with the purpose to start to 
college in the fall. Make them the guests of the Chap- 
ter at its May or June meeting. 

The Annual Banquet. — Once a year have an inex- 
pensive but carefully planned and attractive banquet. 
The refreshments need not be — should not be — elaborate. 
The chief feature of the banquet should be the after-din- 
ner toasts, most of which should bear directly on the work 
of the Chapter. The banquet may be varied with each 
year according to the custom obtaining with regard to 
wedding anniversaries. There are Chapters which can 
celebrate their crystal anniversary, while others are but 
a year old, and must begin with the cotton anniversary. 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 355 



Outdoor Sociability. 

It is a pity the bicycle is no longer fashionable, but 
it is no less useful than it used to be. A League run to 
some place not too remote, with lunch at the objective 
point and an hour or two of rest before starting the re- 
turn trip, would be a splendid day's fun for many Chap- 
ters. Dress sensibly, wheel at a moderate pace, stop for 
a bit of breath occasionally, keep an eye out for scenery 
and incidental happenings,, be jolly over the inevitable 
mishap, and you will come back invigorated. Fifty miles 
for the round trip is an outside mark for a day's run by a 
mixed company. Thirty miles would be better, allowing 
for an average pace of six miles an hour. Do not try 
century runs. They are for the faddists, who go camel- 
humped over the route, caring for nothing but to make 
it in record time. There is no fun in that. 

Walk ! It is the pleasantest sort of outdoor sociability. 
Dress for rough tramping, so that you will not need to be 
anxious about the effect of dust and mud and stony roads. 
Carry nothing that can be spared. Send the lunch by 
some sort of conveyance to the point selected, the home 
of some country member, or a friendly farmhouse. Walk 
leisurely, — not a bit over three miles an hour. Keep your 
eyes open as you go. Make a little side-excursion by 
the way if you feel so inclined. Encourage one another. 
Sing on the journey. Keep up a merry exchange of 
harmless jokes. Add each pedestrian's mite to the com- 
mon stock of outdoor knowledge. The Chapter which 
by such methods popularizes the Epworth League Pedes- 
trian Club will do much for the health and spirits of its 
members. 

A Country Dinner. — Why not vary your monthly 
social program by arranging for a dinner at a country 



356 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



home or suburban inn, or better still, at some farm- 
house? Plan an old-fashioned fried-chicken supper with 
mashed potatoes, cream gravy, hot biscuits, jelly, etc., as 
an accompaniment. Put lively speakers on your pro- 
gram for toasts and give as subjects: "What I know 
about fishing," "Green fields and running brooks," "With 
gun and dog," "Nature's books," "What I know about 
farming," "School 's out," etc. The old-time songs oi 
your country school days will almost sing themselves at 
such a gathering. The party should meet at some con- 
venient center and ride out to the place of dining in a 
body. A crowd of Epworthian young folks that can not 
make such an evening stand out prominently among all 
the summer's pleasures would be hard to find. 

Try a Bam Social. — People who have access to a big, 
roomy, old-fashioned barn rarely realize what an ad- 
mirable place it is for a social gathering of the informal 
sort. Games that are a little too vigorous for the par- 
lor can be played to perfection in the barn. Of course, 
alJ the movables will be cleared out from the main floor, 
the rafters hung with lanterns — not the paper kind, how- 
ever — and such decorations arranged as may be appro- 
priate to the time and place. 

The trip to the barn will be most fittingly made in 
a hay wagon, or some such agricultural vehicle. 

The barn-party is at its best in the late summer or 
early fall, when the evenings are lengthening, and before 
the nights grow too cold for gatherings in unheated build- 
ings. It may be specialized into a harvest festival or a 
husking bee. 

The big roomy barn is just the place for a "Carnival 
of the Seasons." Hold it in the early fall, when foliage 
representing spring and summer is still available, with 
fruit and harvest products to typify the fall. Four booths 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 357 



are necessary. Spring will be decked out in tender green ; 
apple and peach blossoms amid the branches. The 
younger members will be in charge. Summer will be 
floral booth, with summer fruits added for good measure. 
Older folks in charge. Fall will be radiant with autumn 
leaves, the yellow of pumpkin and corn, the green and 
red of apples. Winter's booth should have cotton-bat- 
ting trimming, diamond-dusted, with pop-corn, oranges, 
and Christmas-tree ornament. At each of the booths 
articles appropriate to the season may be on sale. A 
candy-pull will earn its share of the profits, and simple 
games will almost suggest themselves. 

The "lawn social" is always available where there 
are "door-yards" with real grass, which will stand a little 
rough usage. If a porch is properly situated a bit of a 
program may be rendered, the porch being used as a plat- 
form for the speakers. Or a platform may be impro- 
vised from materials lying around the place. 

Camping Out. — -No better way to invest some of the 
vacation time can be imagined than in a sojourn in the 
woods or by the lake. An Epworth League camp is 
one of the most delightful of summer resorts. A group 
of congenial young folk, with two or three older folk for 
company and counsel, can have a "glorious time" at small 
cost. 

Of course, there are many kinds of camping, each 
with its peculiar requirements, but in the main they are 
much alike. 

Whatever kind of a camp is to be set up, and whether 
temporary or permanent, choose its location well. There 
is a peculiar charm in a camp located at the edge of a 
lake or stream. But it is not always the charm of wis- 
dom. Often the mosquitoes call your attention to this 
fact, for they are usually more numerous near the water's 



358 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



edge. But a more serious objection to such a location is 
that the ground is often dangerously damp and fre- 
quently giving off miasmic vapors. Not in every case, 
but usually, it is better to pitch your camp on higher 
ground. The top of a ridge is well, or a level bench on 
the side of a hill. Anyway, see that you have a pleasing 
outlook and enough, but not too much shade. The camp 
must be in the midst of trees so as to have the protection 
from the sun throughout the day, but there is always 
some danger of these trees falling or shedding big 
branches in a storm. 

The camp itself usually consists of one or more tents, 
though more permanent structures are frequently used. 
There should be a separate tent for cooking. 

The camp furnishings should be as few as may be 
consistent with comfort. Among these should be in- 
cluded a sheet-iron cook stove. Next to eating comes 
sleeping, and care should be given to appointments for 
this need. Good cot beds are now made for camp use. 
When camping where pine, hemlock, fir, or cedar boughs 
can be had, a deep pile of these will make the best of all 
beds. Have plenty of good, heavy blankets, unless you 
adopt an unpicturesque, but very comfortable camp con- 
trivance, the sleeping-bag. 

The matter of apparel is given almost undue attention 
by many writers on camping. A man in a flannel shirt 
and an old business suit is well arrayed for an outing in 
the woods. As to the woman- — well, of course, she rnust 
be allowed to take some thought as to what she shall 
wear. But it need not go much beyond providing any 
of the sensible outing costumes now worn by women in 
their out-of-door life at home. 

Of course, there are many little things about camp- 
ing that are not all joy — insects, for instance. Netting 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 359 



is some protection against these pests, but often an in- 
sufficient one. The various mixtures recommended with 
which the camper is to anoint his hands and face are 
often effective, but seldom becoming. About the best 
protection is a dense smudge every day. 

Other sorts of summer sociability which are highly 
profitable are: 

The Holiday Tour. — Travel in a party, properly 
chaperoned. The English young people's societies do 
this admirably. True, they have many points of interest 
at short distances from their homes, but so have many of 
our Chapters. Some of these English young folks go to 
the Lake district, to Scotland, to London, to Paris, and 
even to Switzerland, Norway, and up the Rhine. But 
many of our Chapters are near places of great natural 
beauty or historical significance. Visit a near-by city, or 
a Chautauqua assembly, or a camp-meeting. A Chapter 
which one summer rented a cottage at a camp-meeting 
for its members found the investment a profitable one 
in many ways. 

The Picnic. — This has been so often a dismal failure 
that it is not properly estimated by many people. When 
it is too big and too laborious it is a most exquisite form 
of social torture. But it can be made to furnish social 
resources of the highest order. Do not undertake too 
much. Do not strain a point to secure a big crowd. Do 
not make the mistake of dividing up into groups. Have 
all things in common. If that is not possible, the com- 
pany is too large or ill-assorted, and the picnic will be 
only a moderate success. Be sure to include the old but 
favorite races, the sack race, the potato race, the blind- 
fold race, and other producers of athletic hilarity. 

The Tennis Tournament. — Tennis is properly rated 
as one of the very best of outdoor games. A tournament 



360 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



creates interest among a fairly large number of people, 
and may enlist all the way from six to forty or more 
players. If the series is spread out over a number of 
days or weeks, the tournament will be a distinct social 
force in the community. Of course the play will be kept 
scrupulously fair and free from everything that would 
subordinate pleasure to the technical and professional 
point of view. The pleasure 's the thing ; and the game 
merely a means to that pleasure, not an end in itself. 
Leave that to the scientific player and the professionals, 
not, however, to the disparagement of dexterity and 
brains. 

Photography. — Many amateur photographers are soli- 
tary in their picture-making. That has its advantages 
also. It may be combined with the Pedestrian Club, or 
the Tennis Club, or the Cycle Club, or the holiday tour, 
or the picnic. The pictures made will have not only an 
artistic and a scenic value, but an associational value as 
well. Many of them may be utilized in the fall and the 
winter work of the Chapter, especially if they can be used 
as lantern slides. 

LENGTHENING THE MEMBERSHIP RoiX. 

A normal Epworth League Chapter is in constant 
need of new members. In the first place there .will be a 
gradual withdrawal from the active work of the Chapter 
of those who have been longest connected with it. Thev 
will become more and more advisory, and, in a sense, 
honorary members, giving their active service to other 
interests of the Church. Their places must be filled by 
the coming in of new members. 

In the second place, an Epworth League Chapter is 
essentially a missionary organization. It is not to be 
content with interesting and helping those who are al- 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 361 



ready enrolled on its record. Like the Church itself, the 
Chapter must go out among those who have not yet been 
reached, and enlist their interest and their co-operation, in 
order that it may win them to the highest standard of 
, Christian experience in life. 

Where are the new members to be found ? The com- 
prehensive answer is, everywhere. The fourth depart- 
ment should let no opportunity, escape of learning the 
name and the location of every probable recruit. Stran- 
gers coming into town should be visited at the first possi- 
ble moment. There are already young people in the 
community who are frequently at the League meetings, 
no doubt, but have never been asked to join. Some mem- 
bers, by reason of their association in business or school 
with other young people, can make out lists of special 
classes, clerks in stores, the young men in factories and 
business houses, young women who are in business or 
domestic service, students of all the educational institu- 
tions in the neighborhood, and other classes. 

There are two other most important sources of 
supply. First, the Junior League. The Junior 
League members are very rapidly growing up. 
Every year many of them are ready to leave 
the Junior ranks. Do not let them be lost to 
the young people's work at the time when they feel 
themselves too old for the Junior League. It would be 
a glorious thing if every Junior League Chapter could 
arrange for an annual graduation, and if it could be un- 
derstood that entrance into the membership of the Ep- 
worth League is as much a matter of course as is the go- 
ing from the primary department into the older classes of 
the Sunday-school. 

Second, the revival. Wherever young people are be- 
ing converted and forsaking sin and turning to God, there 



362 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



is a fruitful field in which to secure new members for 
the Epworth League. The great problem of the Church 
to-day is "What shall be done with our probationers?" 
If every young person who becomes a probationer should 
at the same time become an Epworthian, with a definite 
place in some department of the Chapter's work, and 
with all the advantages of fellowship and membership 
which the Epworth League provides, there would soon 
be a noticeable decrease in the number of probationers 
dropped from the rolls. Should the Epworth League be 
particular concerning the new material it gets ? Yes and 
no. There should be no "rushing" of members, no 
throwing out of the drag-net merely in order to get as 
many members as possible. And yet the ideal aim is to 
secure every young person in the community who is not 
already affiliated with some other young people's society. 

This aim is not to be sought simply to get a big mem- 
bership list, but in order that the real purposes of the Ep- 
worth League may be accomplished both in and through 
the young people. 

The work of canvassing for new members has no 
special season. It can be carried on continually, although 
there may be times when a special effort is both possible 
and desirable. The chairman of the fourth department 
who desires to make a success of this part of the work 
will look carefully over the territory. Members of the 
committee will be assigned to such special districts or 
special classes of young people as may best secure the 
end desired. Some will be assigned to make a canvass 
of Sunday-schools. Every member of the Sunday-school 
who is of proper age should be in the Epworth League 
Chapter. Special attention ought to be paid to the young 
men's class, and to the young people who are already 
members of the Church. 

Sometimes good results are secured by asking one 



SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES. 363 



member, or a club of members, to aim at securing a cer- 
tain definite number of new members — three, or five, 
or ten. 

Membership contests have been tried with very ex- 
cellent results in many Chapters. Their use should be 
safeguarded very carefully, however, in order to prevent 
the employment of questionable methods during the con- 
test, and a reaction and consequent lack of interest when 
the contest is over. The usual method of conducting a 
membership contest is to divide the present membership 
into two sections, each under the leadership of a captain. 
A time-limit is set, usually varying from one to six 
months, and each side strives by every possible means to 
secure applications for membership. At the close of the 
contest the section which has secured the most members 
is entertained by the other section at some kind of a 
social gathering. To this the new members are heartily 
invited. The occasion may also be signalized by the 
proper reception of the new members. 

• Wherever the pledge is used, let the Chapter be quite 
as eager to secure associate members as it is to secure 
active members. Associate members are well on the 
way toward complete acceptance of all that the League 
stands for, and it is a mistaken policy to keep down the 
number of associate members. But, of course, insist 
that associate membership is not a permanent arrange- 
ment. An associate member should not be satisfied to 
remain such, nor should the Chapter be willing to keep 
associate members permanently in that relation. 

The work is not all done when the new members 
are elected and have signed the constitution. They are 
yet to be "broken in," and on the experience of their 
first few weeks in the Chapter will depend very largely 
their enjoyment of the new relation and their usefulness 
in the Chapter's work. The very best place to com- 



364 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



plete the work of strengthening the Chapter's hold on 
its new members is the devotional meeting. In that 
meeting the fellowship fact must be abundant, and op- 
portunity must be tactfully given to the new members for 
participation. When necessary, this may be done 
gradually, and by indirect methods. Do not make 
the mistake of asking an inexperienced and shy new 
member to take the entire responsibility of conducting 
a devotional meeting the week after he or she has been 
received. Use such methods in the devotional meetings 
as will make it possible for the more backward and bash- 
ful to take some part at the very outset. 

An important element in making new members feel 
at home is that they should be provided with some defi- 
nite share in the work. No person who is satisfied to 
be a member of the Chapter at all need be without a con- 
genial and useful share in its activities. 

The new member will be a little hesitating at first. 
No stranger enjoys making advances toward better ac- 
quaintances. The Chapter members must see to it that 
there is prompt and cordial recognition of new members 
at every possible opportunity. The welcome which they 
receive at the various meetings should be, if anything, a 
little warmer than that which is accorded to the older 
members. If possible, little distinctions and marks of 
special consideration should be shown until they begin 
to feel thoroughly at home in their new relationship. 

The Chapter misses a great opportunity if it neglects 
to make due recognition of the new members when they 
are received. By all means have a formal reception. 
It need not be elaborate, but it ought to be impressive. 
There is no place, of course, for the exaggerated sym- 
bolism or the boisterousness which characterizes some 
initiations. But there is room for a dignified, impressive, 
and memorable service. 



CHAPTER XL 



LEAGUE RECORDS AND FINANCES. 
The; Secretary. 

The Epworth League Secretary may easily be a mere 
functionary, doing routine things in an indifferent fash- 
ion. But if he will rise to his privileges he may be brain 
and nerves to his Chapter. 

To him will come the experiences and needs of the 
departments, to be transformed into plans, reminders, 
opportunities, and permanent achievements. So may he 
be miles above "only the Secretary." 

He is the Chapter's recorder, historian, letter-writer, 
reporter, bookkeeper, statistician, custodian of supplies, 
advertising agent, and generally indispensable official. 
The officers in other departments may be but moderate, 
respectably ordinary people, without absolute ruin to the 
work, but the Secretary's place demands genius. Not the 
sky-rocket kind, but genius for plodding, for detail, for 
exactness, for promptness, for general alertness, and un- 
common common sense. 

These qualities, not always inborn, are attainable by 
any one who desires them sufficiently, and so are pre- 
supposed as present or on the way in the lase of every 
Secretary who reads this chapter. It should not be neces- 
sary to say that the Secretary must be a Christian. 
Else how can he be a good Secretary in an organization 
whose vital principle is the extension and intensification 
of the Christian life? 

365 



366 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Supplies. — The Secretary will be wise if, immediately 
upon his installation, he gets all the supplies he needs for 
his department and for the Chapter. He will require 
for his own use record books of one or two sorts, scrap- 
books, and stationery. He is the proper custodian of the 
Chapter's stock of pledge cards, topic cards, report blanks, 
transfer cards, and the like. These things should not be 
allowed to get out of stock. They are as cheap before 
they are needed as two weeks after the last one is gone, 
and their presence is a wonderful preservative of pa- 
tience. 

Committee. — The Secretary should ask each of the 
four Vice-Presidents to select one member who will be 
the connecting link between that department and the 
Secretary. Then, with an additional helper, to whom it 
will be safe to intrust the advertising work, the Secre- 
tary's committee is complete. So far as possible, all 
work with the departments should be done through the 
members who represent them on this committee. 

M embership Record. — This ought to be complete, and 
frequently revised. The first revision will probably be 
needed the day the book comes into the Secretary's hands. 
Eliminate every name that does not stand for a known 
and definite membership. Read and apply to local con- 
ditions Bishop Vincent's tract, "Wayworth Chapel Rec- 
ords." 

To be complete, the membership record should have 
every member's name aiid address, date of election to 
membership, Church relation, and department to which 
the member is assigned. If the Chapter uses the pledge, 
''active" or "associate" will be a necessary notation for 
each member. 

The record will be all the better if it includes an 
attendance register. Some Secretaries keep track of the 



LEAGUE RECORDS AND FINANCES. 367 



Church, prayer-meeting, and Sunday-school attendance 
of their members^ A list of the members, arranged by 
departments, is a most useful thing, especially if it is 
posted conspicuously in the League room. Another list, 
not, however, for conspicuous posting, may well be kept, 
containing the names of chronic absentees or otherwise 
unsatisfactory members whose shortcomings may prop- 
erly be noted by the Secretary. These names should be 
referred to the Cabinet or the Department of Spiritual 
Work, and the results of any special attention should be 
quietly noted. 

The Secretary will always "go armed." That is to 
say, he will have his membership record with him at 
every League meeting. It will be needed nearly every 
time, to answer some more or less important question. 

As there are always some folk "almost persuaded," 
there is always need of a list of prospective members. 
Glean these names from every source. Keep a keen eye 
on the stranger within the gates. Get the names of 
the young people who are friendly to the League. Make 
lists of names ; of clerks in stores, young men in the 
shops, young women in service or in business, high- 
school students, telegraph employees, and of the people 
whom some special industry brings into the neighbor- 
hood. And, having these names, use them. The First 
Department can seek to interest these people in the 
Church and Chapter ; the Second can use all the re- 
cruits it can get; the Third may be able to help them 
in some time of need ; the Fourth will always be glad 
for the names of people to whom can be given invita- 
tions to lectures, classes, socials, and entertainments. 

When a new member is secured, get the correct name 
at once. The Constitution of the League will have been 
inserted on the first pages of the membership record, and 



368 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



a place provided there for new members' signatures. 
Then each one should be given a copy of the Consti- 
tution for his own use. As soon as he is assigned to a 
department, note that fact in the record, and all the other 
necessary facts concerning him, just as soon as may be. 

When a member moves away, there is a chance for the 
Secretary to do him and the Church a simple but im- 
portant service. First, make out a transfer card, and 
give it to him with the Chapter's love and hearty good 
wishes for the future. Then write to the pastor of the 
Methodist Church nearest his new home. A Methodist 
preacher gets so little of this sort of help that he will 
be correspondingly grateful; and for very gratitude he 
will fairly bubble over with welcome to the young stran- 
ger. The half-hour which the Secretary might need to 
accomplish this result would save to God and the Church 
practically every case — and their number is distressingly 
large — which now is reported : "He moved away and we 
lost track of him." 

For a permanent membership record, which will be 
of ever-increasing value, and which can never be out- 
grown, a card catalogue is the best thing obtainable. 
The single card for each member, on which is written 
his name, address, and other personal notes, may grow 
to two or three or more cards, full of interesting facts 
of his League, Church, and public life, as the years go 
by. The catalogue may be elaborated into a sort of 
biographical dictionary of the Chapter, and it is so 
simple of operation, and so instantly accessible for con- 
sultation, that for historical purposes alone it is worth 
ten times what it costs. A card outfit to begin with can 
be had for as little as $1.00. 

Business Records. — The one indispensable requisite 
of business records is accuracy. Rhetoric and elaboration 



LEAGUE RECORDS AND FINANCES. 369 



are not needed. A plain handwriting, free from flour- 
ishes and original abbreviations, is better than a florid 
imagination and impossible scroll work. 

Keep the records up-to-date, entering them on the 
permanent book as soon as they are approved. Usually 
it will not be necessary to enter everything which has 
been discussed in a meeting, though the rule which says 
that motions not carried are not to be recorded may often 
and wisely be broken. There are times when it is well 
to have a record of what the meeting did not do. Show 
the general direction of discussion in important matters. 

Paragraph freely, being especially careful to give 
every separate item its separate paragraph. Require long 
or important motions to be furnished in writing, and 
transcribe them literally. Use sub-topics, as in this chap- 
ter, or, what is better for the Secretary's purpose, 
writing them in the margin, well out beyond the body 
of the record. So simple a thing will make the record 
fourfold clearer and easier of reference. 

The recording of elections and of the names of com- 
mittees appointed does not end the Secretary's duty in 
the premises. Every member of a committee should have 
definite notice of appointment, with a plain statement of 
the work expected of the committee. Every officer- 
elect should be promptly apprised of the honor con- 
ferred. Do not permit any hitch in committee work, 
or any vacancy, however temporary, in official ranks, 
because it was thought that everybody knew all about it. 
Tell them beforehand. 

In the Cabinet meetings and general business meet- 
ings, the Secretary is the one indispensable element. 
He has the business of the evening at his fingers' ends. 
He is at the President's elbow, alert to prompt, suggest, 
24 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



untangle snarled threads of business, and quick to refer 
to the subject in hand. 

And, with all this, he has the minutes of the meeting 
written up to the minute. It doesn't take rare ability to 
do these things ; only attention, sense, and a proper valu- 
ation of spare moments. 

Many special records may be kept. The committee 
member from the First Department may make a simple 
but very useful record of the devotional meetings, noting 
the names of leaders, the attendance, and special fea- 
tures. From the Third Department will come accounts 
of calls made, tracts distributed, people helped, and re- 
sults accomplished. From the Second and Fourth De- , 
partments will come descriptions of literary and social 
gatherings, reports of reading and study done, programs, 
and other material of permanent interest. These 
records will be fuller than the monthly department re- 
ports, which are usually brief summaries in statistical 
form. 

By cultivating an appetite for complete records of 
these things, using the members of the committees freely 
in getting what is wanted, material will be provided for 
some exceedingly profitable correspondence, as will be 
noted in a later paragraph, to say nothing of the value of 
such material to the local Chapter. 

Of course the Secretary will insist on written monthly 
reports from the departments, whether the monthly busi- 
ness meeting is held or not. By furnishing blanks to 
the various Vice-Presidents, the reports as they come in 
can be perforated and bound in "volumes" of one year 
each, by the use of paper fasteners. Make a neat title- 
page for each volume, bearing a sufficiently complete 
inscription to indicate the contents at a glance. If the 
Chapter can not afford or does not care to use the regular 



LEAGUE RECORDS AND FINANCES. 



report blanks, furnish the Vice-Presidents with paper 
of uniform size, so that the reports may be bound as 
suggested. 

Co-operation with the Treasurer. — The Secretary 
should keep a record of all bills brought before the 
Chapter, showing their date, amount, for what incurred, 
the action of the Chapter, and the date of the order for 
payment. Then he should draw all orders on the Treas- 
urer, and have them signed by the President, using a 
regular form and keeping a record on the stubs of the 
order forms. 

Correspondence. — The Secretary is the connectional 
officer of the Chapter. He holds it in organic relation 
to the District League and the Central Office. None of 
these can do anything with or for the local Chapter 
if they can not get in touch with it. It should be written 
in bold letters over every Secretary's table, "Answer 
promptly every official letter which requires an answer." 
If the letter calls for information which can not be 
furnished at once, write an acknowledgment of its re- 
ceipt, and indicate a date when a complete answer will 
be sent. The observance of this simple rule of business 
ethics in the local Chapters would make some District 
officers renew their youth amazingly. 

There should be no hesitation in originating official 
correspondence. If there are new plans to describe, hard 
questions to ask, or difficult problems to solve, write, 
briefly but clearly, to the district or general officer who 
is most especially concerned. 

A list of all the Chapters in the district is a valuable 
possession. Whenever the local Chapter has a special 
program, or a new plan of work, a copy or a descrip- 
tion may be sent to a few of the Chapters, with the re- 
quest that the courtesy be reciprocated when occasion 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



offers. Send to a new list of Chapters each time until 
the district has been covered by the correspondence. Then 
branch out and send letters into the larger field. This 
method will spread good material in places where it will 
be appreciated, and a steady return current of helpful- 
ness will set in toward the originating Chapter which 
may easily pay per cent on the investment. 

If there are any philanthropic or charitable institu- 
tions, deaconess hospitals, or the like within reach of 
the Chapter's help, write to them and learn what service 
can be rendered. Then the matter may be referred to 
the Mercy and Help Department. Or the list of such 
institutions may be furnished to that department for its 
attention. 

When a member of the Chapter goes away for a 
protracted stay, say to college, or to work in another 
place, a correspondence circle may be organized in his 
behalf. The Secretary need not do it all. Others should 
write ; not all at once, of course. Let there be an oc- 
casional letter of friendly interest and League and 
Church news. It will hearten the absent one and keep 
him in sympathetic touch with the home work. When 
he comes back he will not need to be broken in again, 
but will go straight to work as though he had not been 
away. 

Statistics. — Errors in spelling are not fatal; errors 
in figures are without remedy. Be accurate. Don't 
estimate ; most estimates exaggerate. A count of heads 
in a congregation is an amazing reducer of immense 
audiences. 

Keep all the Chapter's statistics that there is oppor- 
tunity to get. More is better than less. Count the mem- 
bers, the attendance at League meetings, the Reading 
Course group, the Christian Stewardship enrollment, 



LEAGUE RECORDS AND FINANCES. 373 



The Herald subscribers, the Comrades of the Morning 
Watch, the study class members, and all the rest. Every 
six months summarize these statistics, and insert them 
on a page of the record. Compare with the preceding 
six months. Show the figures to the department leaders 
who are concerned; make the statistics exert a helpful 
influence on the work of the Chapter. When The Herald 
canvass begins, furnish the names of present subscribers 
to the canvassers and help them in their work. 

Scrap Books. — Get one. Still better, get two. Into 
them put every bit of printed or written matter which 
can be found having any reference to the Chapter or 
the general League work. One scrapbook will be filled 
with local memorabilia; programs of special gatherings, 
newspaper notices, the reports borne by delegates to the 
various conventions, of Convention proceedings by 
the same delegates, the news items sent to The 
Herald and the Advocate, and all the large variety of 
valuable but fugitive material, historic and inspirational, 
which will never be of any use unless it is promptly put 
into permanent form. 

The other scrapbook should be for methods, plans, 
suggestions, and programs clipped from The Herald and 
other papers. 

It may well include Board of Control matters, offi- 
cial answers to questions, interesting bits of League his- 
tory and the like. One we know of has two hundred 
and fifty pages the size of The Herald's page. It con- 
tains practically everything on League methods that has 
been printed from the beginning in the official paper. It 
is a League encyclopedia. One so large, of course, 
is arranged in sections, a section for each de- 
partment. Perhaps the department leaders may be 
induced to make their own scrapbooks, but if they 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



do not, the Secretary should Certainly see to this work. 
It puts years of experience at the disposal of the youngest 
Chapter of the League. 

Advertising. — This is a field with almost unbounded 
possibilities. A vast amount of dignified, clean, and at- 
tractive advertising can be done by every Chapter Sec- 
retary. Get Mr. John A. Patten's booklet on "How to 
Advertise the Church," in the Epworth League Depart- 
ment Series, and note how many simple but effective 
methods can be utilized to make the Chapter and the 
Church known to the entire community. Let one mem- 
ber of the Secretary's Committee have this as his ex- 
clusive work. It will not be a sinecure, but if well done 
it will bring real results. 

Publicity for League Work. 

The Publicity Secretary, or whatever other name is 
given to the member in charge of the Chapter's adver- 
tising, is the link between the Chapter and the outside 
world. He can do a great variety of helpful things, 
which will have a large share in creating and maintain- 
ing public interest in the Chapter's work. And yet he 
will not be given to boasting, or to any form of press- 
agent w T ork which does not grow out of the honest effort 
of the Chapter to count for good in the life of the com- 
munity. 

Here are some sensible hints for the Publicity Sec- 
retary. 

As to the newspaper : get acquainted with the news- 
paper people, and by all reasonable means seek to keep 
on good terms with them. Find out when the editors 
want the news, and be sure to get it to them a little ahead 
of time. If there is more than one paper in the town, 
prepare separate "copy" for each paper, phrasing the 



LEAGUE RECORDS AND FINANCES. 



matter a little differently each time. Editors have a 
prejudice against printing matter which they know is 
to appear in identical terms in another paper. 

It may seem unnecessary, but it is n't, to insist on 
good "copy.'"' That means typewritten copy, or very 
plain penmanship ; black ink on white paper ; writing 
on one side only ; paper folded, never rolled ; items brief 
and to the point, omitting all pious platitudes and mere 
rhetoric ; and a signature, "not necessarily for publica- 
tion, but as a guarantee of good faith." 

Perhaps your friend the editor will let you provide 
an Epworth League column once a month. That is a 
serious responsibility, as well as a favor. Do not ask 
for it unless you are willing to work at the task of fill- 
ing that column worthily every month. But if you are 
willing, you can do the Chapter a great service through 
that newspaper. Or perhaps the editor will print, among 
other League items, a very brief exposition of the devo- 
tional meeting topic every week. The pastor may be 
just the man to write this, and it will be profitable work, 
both for him and for the paper. 

Other forms of publicity must not be neglected be- 
cause the newspapers are accommodating. Set up an 
Epworth League Bulletin Board in some conspicuous 
place. Keep it up-to-date. Put on it all the notices of 
League events, legibly written in a large hand on stiff 
paper, and then tacked to the board. If the Church prints 
a weekly leaflet of notes and notices, pre-empt a corner 
of it for League purposes, and keep that corner filled. 
Some Chapters manage the details of the Church leaflet 
themselves, giving all the societies and activities of the 
Church their proper recognition. 

Send an occasional brief note to the official Church 
paper for your territory. A postal card will do, in most 



376 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



cases, and the editor will print such an item more readily 
and more gladly than a longer one.. It is a mistake to 
suppose that editors like lengthy news items. 

The Herald is entitled to the news of your Chapter, 
and you are entitled to see it in The Bpworth Herald 
if you send it in. But it must be sent. The Herald is not 
able to print what you might have sent but did n't. 

Do not send any paper a clipping from some other 
paper, except for the editor's information. It is un- 
reasonable to ask him to dig out from the clipping such 
facts as you desire him to use. And it is unfair to the 
Chapter. The clipping is unusable as it stands, and, in 
making it over, the very thing which was intended to be 
emphasized may escape altogether. 

Sometimes a Methodist editor gets ^clippings taken 
from other Methodist papers, with the request to re- 
print. This is a double breach of good manners. It 
assumes that the editor has not seen the item in the 
other paper, and it expects him to print stale news in 
the exact form in which it was given two weeks before. 
No editor will do such things if he can help it, and 
usually he can. 

In order to do judicious and effective advertising, 
the one in charge of it must know what is going on, 
and what is in prospect, in every department. So he 
must be in the confidence of each member of the Cabi- 
net. Like any other reporter, he must gather his news 
before he can publish it. The Ep worth League notices 
should be the neatest and most concise of all those that 
are read from the pulpit. Their preparation is an art, — 
how to say much in a few words, how to omit all super- 
fluous matter, how to make the announcements ''stick 
out" so that they will not be forgotten, how to vary the 
wording from week to week. But all this may be ac- 
quired by care and practice, and it will pay. 



LEAGUE RECORDS AND FINANCES. 



Questions for the Secretary. 

Are you always at hand at the devotional meetings? 

Do you keep a record of the attendance at each devo- 
tional meeting? 

Are neatly written notices of coming Epworth League 
doings sent to the pulpit on Sunday morning, or printed 
in the weekly Church bulletin? 

Do you furnish the local newspapers with the fresh- 
est and most interesting news notes from your Chapter 
and Church? 

Do you send a news item to The Epworth Herald 
concerning the progress of your Chapter? 

How is the Central Office to obtain its statistics un- 
less the Corresponding Secretaries fill out the blanks? 

Who is to give letters of introduction to departing 
members but the Secretary ? 

Who, but the Secretary, is to write and get good plans 
from other Chapters? 

Do you use every legitimate means to make it known 
that the Chapter is doing its best for the community? 

Do you see that items of interest at your various 
meetings find their way into the newspaper? 

Do you let the District Secretary know what you are 
doing ? 

Are you sure that the correspondence of the Chapter 
in all departments is well taken care of ? 

Are you aware that your record is the only Chapter 
history there is ? Make it complete, not forgetting such 
items as the socials, the extra meetings, and the like. 

Do you know of the work being done in each de- 
partment ? 

Are you the President's right-hand member, keeping 
him advised as to the condition of things, and always 
ready to do whatever work he suggests ? 



378 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Do you know it is the Secretary's business to notify 
in writing every person chosen to any office or to serve 
on any committee? 

Have you learned that the Secretary must have no 
favorite department? 

Why not post the evening's topic somewhere in the 
meeting-room, for the benefit of strangers, and keep 
the subject definitely before the members? 

Have you learned that it is no child's play to keep 
a faithful account of the actual membership of the Chap- 
ter, and a complete record of all its doings ? 

Do you know that many Epworthians who come to 
our towns drift about and are lost to the League ? There- 
fore, the Secretaries should insist that, on removal, mem- 
bers take transfers to another Chapter. It is wise to 
follow this with a letter to the pastor, and one to the 
Chapter Secretary also. 

Do you constantly note new phases and plans of 
work, effective ways of working in the several depart- 
ments, and plans for promoting the spiritual power of 
the League? 

Side: Lights for Scribes. 

Put life and wisdom into the minutes. They may go 
to make up a record that may be read in twenty-five or 
fifty years from now. We should avoid sameness in 
minute-writing. Intelligence, brightness, and originality 
should sparkle on every page of your minute book. 

Have a book where members of the Chapter may 
enter their names and addresses. Have every new mem- 
ber sign this book. 

Post a membership list in the Epworth parlor or in 
the room where the Chapter meets, so that all can see 
who are members. It might stimulate some one else to 
join. 



LEAGUE RECORDS AND FINANCES. 379 

Notify members of their election, and ask their hearty 
co-operation in the work of the Chapter. 

Ask the Cabinet officers to hand in a written report 
to the business meeting. 

Bombard absentees with postal cards. Keep a, record 
of those present at the devotional meetings. Then send 
a card to all absentees as soon thereafter as possible, 
urging 5 attendance. Give names of absentees to the 
Department of Mercy and Help, who should call upon 
them this week. 

Write absent members who are at college or who are 
off on a vacation. Give them a word of cheer. An 
appropriate Scripture passage, a tract, might keep one 
from neglecting his Christian duty. 

Ask that those who may be invalids and who are 
members of your Church be assigned to your depart- 
ment. If possible, get them to write letters to each other, 
and to those who are away from home. 

A letter from these shut-ins to their unconverted 
friends is practical. The testimony of a faithful Chris- 
tian for Jesus from the sick-room has great influence, 
and might lead some soul to Christ. 

Do not fail to answer or give attention to all com- 
munications regarding League work that may be ad- 
dressed to you, whether letters or circulars. Do this 
promptly. 

Be a real Christian. "Quench not the Spirit," but 
recognize His direction in all your efforts. Inspire others 
by your example, by your devotion to your work, and by 
your untiring loyalty to your Church. 

Keep thoroughly informed of the advancement made 
in the League work throughout Methodism, and with the 
young people's work generally. 

Insist on monthly reports from officers, and file them 



3 8o EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



away in such a manner that they will be preserved as 
a part of your history. 

Have a thoroughly revised membership roll, and have 
a list of your committees neatly printed, framed, and 
hung up in your Chapter room. 

Insist on a variety of plans in the work; not sensa- 
tional ventures, but thoroughly ingenious plans. Keep 
the curiosity of your membership aroused, and then sat- 
isfy that curiosity. 

Acquaint yourself, as far as possible, with all the 
members in your Chapter. Know them not only by 
sight and by name, but study their dispositions, investi- 
gate their environments. 

The active Secretary can inspire and stimulate the 
Chapter, but it means work. Some one has said that 
success in any department of life is spelled with only 
four letters, W-O-R-K. 

Make a scrapbook of separate sheets of thin manilla 
cardboard, of uniform size, perforated in the left-hand 
margin for binding. Paste your scraps on these loose 
sheets. Don't get scraps on different subjects on the 
same sheet. Then each sheet, when filled, may be slipped 
into its orderly place in the file. Thus you will have 
a classified scrapbook, capable of indefinite expansion, 
always accessible, and having no wasted or ill-arranged 
space. 

Don't be tempted to over-elaboration. From these 
hints, and from your own experience, arrange a scheme 
for your department. Plan your work thoroughly, but 
not beyond your means. You can master a simple plan, 
and work it; a cumbersome one will master you, and 
will give you constant trouble. And your successor will 
be sure to drop it, thus breaking the continuity of the 
department's work, and perhaps seriously affecting the 
whole work of the Chapter. 



LEAGUE RECORDS AND FINANCES. 381 



Have a pocket notebook for that bright idea which 
just popped into your head. Then you can catch it before 
it pops out again. 

A supply of postal cards, having the Chapter name 
and the Secretary's name and address printed or stamped 
as a heading, will lighten many burdens of correspond- 
ence. For some uses a postal card is as good as a letter, 
and it has the advantage of being so handy that it invites 
use, when a letter would involve so much trouble that it 
would never be written. 

Use neat, business-like stationery. If you do much 
letter writing — as you should — get printed stationery. 
It is not expensive, and it is worth your while just for 
the impression it makes, aside from its convenience. 

Chapter Supplies. — Some of these are for the Secre- 
tary's use ; others are to be kept on hand for the use of 
the other departments. All of them may be had from 
the nearest branch of the Methodist Book Concern, ex- 
cept the blank for the Secretary's report to the Central 
Office, which is furnished free on application to that 
Office, 57 Washington Street, Chicago. A complete list 
will be furnished by the Book Concern. 

The; Treasurer. 

The importance of the Treasurer's work is usually 
far underestimated, never overvalued. It is vital to the 
success of every department. The Chapter can never be 
efficiently conducted without money, and the lack of a 
trifling amount often defeats the most important work. 
It is also absolutely indispensable that the revenue be 
reliable if plans are to be made in advance and carried 
forward to the highest success. This department, there- 
fore, should assure an adequate revenue and gather it 
with dependable regularity. 



382 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



As soon as possible after entering upon your duties, 
from your predecessor's experience and from a survey 
of the resources of the Chapter, determine and report 
the available income that the Chapter and the Cabinet 
may plan accordingly. With this report, make whatever 
recommendation you think best for improving the finan- 
cial policy. 

When the members are assigned to the various depart- 
ments, secure a good committee. Then assign its work 
and, both by example and all necessary insistence, see 
that your financial plan is promptly, untiringly, and 
thoroughly carried out. Never admit an apparent ne- 
cessity for resorting to those financial methods that bur- 
den and cripple the Fourth Department and discredit 
the Church before the world. Success by right methods 
will avoid reproach, and train your young people to 
ideals and habits that will bear valuable fruit through- 
out their lives and the lives of those they influence. 

Your most valuable service will be achieved in pro- 
moting, with the Second Vice-President, the study and 
practice of Christian Stewardship. Together you should 
be unremitting in its promotion. This faithfully accom- 
plished, your remaining duties will be easily, but far more 
successfully, performed. 

Money is more easily spent than raised. Therefore, 
study more how to get money, and how to save it, than 
how to spend it. But when money must be spent do 
not hesitate, do not be niggardly. Recommend generous 
expenditures where they are justified by the existing situ- 
ation. 

The most generally satisfactory method of securing 
a revenue for the Chapter is by securing monthly con- 
tributions, voluntary in amount, from each member. It 
should be subscribed immediately after joining. When 



LEAGUE RECORDS AND FINANCES. 383 



each member contributes, a small amount from each that 
will in no degree interfere with his obligations to the 
Church will suffice. Do not permit any, through false 
pride, to assume what he will regret and perhaps evade 
with moral harm to himself. 

Keep neat, accurate, and complete records. Give and 
take receipts for every cent received or paid, and re- 
quire it of your committeemen. Preserve all the re- 
ceipts you receive and the stubs of those you give. 
Write the entries of your transactions promptly, never 
waiting to write up a lot at once, or the only certainty 
about your records will be their uncertainty. Keep every 
fund separate. Have an account with every fund. Never 
accept the records of your predecessor until the Audit- 
ing Committee has examined them, verified his final fi- 
nancial statement, and entered these facts in the record. 
Then require him to transfer immediately the cash on 
hand according to that statement, taking your receipt. 
Pass your records and cash to your successor in the 
same manner. No distrust is implied; these are simply 
good business methods. Our young people need to ac- 
quire them. 

The Treasurer should keep a memorandum of all pro- 
posed expenditures, and by foresight enable the Chapter 
to guard against any avoidable congestion of liabilities 
that might embarrass the Chapter or injure its credit. 

The Treasurer, not later than the day after Anniver- 
sary Day of each year, should remit to the Assistant 
Treasurer of the Epworth League, 57 Washington St., 
Chicago, 111., for the administrative expenses of the Cen- 
tral Office, not less than one dollar, and not less than 
an amount equal to two cents for each member if the 
membership of the Chapter is above fifty. 

Collect dues from everybody. Do not confine your 



384 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



activities as a collector to those who volunteer their 
dues. Call on every member of the Chapter for the 
small amount which may have been promised, and keep 
calling until the amount is paid. 

Pay your bills. The credit of the Chapter is just as 
important as your own personal credit, and nothing keeps 
Credit good like the prompt payment of obligations. 

When collections are taken at a public meeting, get 
some one to help you count the money, that there may 
be no question as to the accuracy of your report. 

Bills that are regularly incurred, for some fixed ex- 
penses, may be ordered paid by the Chapter as they 
fall due. For such bills a new order every month is not 
necessary. 

Discourage doubtful money-raising schemes. The 
best way to do that is to be a successful collector of 
the funds which are raised in the ideal way, by per- 
sonal and direct payment from every member, according 
to ability. One of the objects of the Epworth League 
is to* prove by deeds that there is a better way of rais- 
ing Church and League funds. The Chapter whose 
Treasurer collects dues and subscriptions faithfully will 
have small excuse for going into the ice-cream business 
to pay its debts. 

In some cases a fixed sum will be named as "dues." 
This is not so good as the entirely voluntary and flexible 
subscription. It makes no account of differing financial 
ability, and savors of the club or fraternal order, into 
which you put a certain sum, which is regulated by the 
amount of benefits which you receive or may ex- 
pect. That is not the League ideal, which is better ex- 
pressed in this ancient saying, "From each according to 
his ability ; to each according to his need." 

But weekly, monthly, or quarterly dues are better 



LEAGUE RECORDS AND FINANCES. 385 



than any form of haphazard finance. If the Chapter 
can do its work at small outlay, there may be but little 
objection to uniform dues. 

The Treasurer will have much to do with the Chap- 
ter's budget, which should be prepared and presented 
at the outset of each season's work. This budget is 
meant to be an estimate of the total expenditure which 
it is proposed to make during the year. Each depart- 
ment submits an estimate of the amount needed for its 
work. 

The Chapter ought by all means to assume some 
outside obligation, — foreign mission work on the Sta- 
tion plan, aid for some form of deaconess work, the 
support of some home mission station, or some other 
enterprise ,whose needs are great, and which can not 
make any direct return to the Chapter for the money 
invested. We need to put at least one utterly unselfish 
enterprise on the heart and conscience of every Chapter. 

The amount devoted to this outside work, together 
with the total required for the departments, con- 
stitutes the budget for the year. If the plan of annual 
dues is in operation, the probable receipts from this 
source must be estimated. The estimated income may 
not equal the estimated expense. What then ? Shall the 
Chapter cut off some items of expense ? Sometimes that 
may be done to advantage. But if the needs of the work 
have been carefully foreseen the scaling down of ex- 
penses ought not to be thought of except as a last re- 
sort. Supplement the dues by voluntary subscriptions, 
explaining frankly the reason for solicting these sub- 
scriptions. 

When the Chapter's funds are raised wholly by the 
subscription method, the budget should be fully explained 
and formally approved by vote before the subscriptions 
2 5 



386 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



are taken. Then you may be able to suggest a scale 
of subscriptions which will provide for all the Chapter's 
financial needs. 

The Treasurer may sometimes hold a profitable con- 
sultation with the treasurer of the Church. As 'they 
compare lists they may discover that some Epworthians 
who are Church members are not doing all they might 
for the Church. Then the Treasurer and the Chapter 
may render important assistance to the Church by urg- 
ing the obligation and privilege of giving, and especially 
of supporting the regular work of the Church. 




CHAPTER XII. 

SPECIAL DAYS. 



The Epworth League should make much of the red- 
letter days in the calendar. They offer opportunities 
for such observance as young people have time and in- 
clination for, and their recognition is a distinct service 
to the community and the Church. 

The following schedule shows the special services 
provided for by the General Secretary : 

January. First Sunday, Morning Watch Enrollment. 

Last Sunday, Missions. 
February. Sunday Nearest Lincoln's Birthday, Freedmen's 
Aid and Southern Education Society. 

The Next Sunday, Studies in Christian Experience. 
March. Last Sunday or Easter, Missions. 

ApRiiy. Last Sunday or Easter \ Missions. 

May. Second or Third Sunday, Anniversary-day. 

Last Sunday, Domestic Christian Philanthropies. 
June;. Second Sunday, Christian Culture. 

Juey. First Sunday, Christian Citizenship. 

August. Third Sunday, Sunday-school Union and Local 

Sunday-school Interests. 
September. First Sunday, League Rally-day. 

Third Sunday, Bible Study Sunday. 
October. First Sunday, Christian Stewardship Day. 

Third Sunday, Studies in Church Benevolences. 
November. First Sunday, Church Extension. 

Third Sunday, Personal Evangelism. 

Last Sunday, Temperance. 
December. Second Sunday, Missions. 

Ihird or Fourth Sunday, Christmas. 
387 



388 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



The material for many of these days varies 
from year to year, and can be found in the pages of 
The Bpworth Herald, and the other Church papers, or 
it may be secured direct from the headquarters of the 
organizations more directly interested. This statement 
applies especially to the missionary programs, Lincoln 
Sunday, Anniversary-day, Church Extension Sunday, 
and the Sundays devoted to special forms of League 
work. Material for these League days may also be found 
in this book, under the proper department headings. 

General suggestions for recognizing some of these 
special days, and for the observance of secular holidays, 
are here given, in the hope that more general attention 
will be paid by our Chapters to the high days of Church 
and State. 

Lincoln's Birthday. 

Make this a patriotic observance of the true sort. 
In remembering Abraham Lincoln we need no spread- 
eagle oratory, no stump speeches. The lesson of his 
life means most when it is given simply and allowed to 
make its own impression. 

Decorations : The flag, "with every star in place 
a bust statuette or picture of Lincoln. 

Congregational Singing: "Star-Spangled Banner;" 
"Battle Hymn of the Republic ;" "America." 

Special Music : 

"If you can not, on the ocean, 
Sail among the swiftest fleet." 

(One of Lincoln's favorite songs.) 

Recitation : Lincoln's speech at Gettysburg. 
Whitman's "O Captain, My Captain."' 
Some Lincoln stories, illustrating his kindness, his de- 
vout nature, his devotion to the Union, etc. 



SPECIAL DAYS. 



389 



Brief Addresses: "Lincoln, the Boy;" "Lincoln, the 
Citizen;" "Lincoln, the President." 

A longer address: "To-day's need of the Lincoln 
type of patriotism." 

Washington's Birthday. 

February 22d is almost as familiar a date in American 
thought as July 4th, and for much the same reason. 
It is the birthday of the man who, more than any other, 
made possible the birthday of the nation. 

It is the fashion nowadays to make Washington's 
birthday more of a social than a serious celebration. 
The old customs and the old costumes are revived, and 
the cherry-tree and hatchet figure largely in the deco- 
rative scheme. There is no harm in all that, but none 
the less we need to remember Washington and the men 
of his time with vast reverence for their great work, 
not forgetting, but not emphasizing, their weaknesses and 
limitations. 

For the more formal and thoughtful observance of 
Washington's birthday an outline program is suggested 
here. 

Decorations : The national colors ; a reproduction 
in colors, if possible, of the Washington coat-of-arms 
(see any good history or a life of Washington) ; a 
portrait or bust of Washington ; a picture of Mount 
Vernon ; pictures illustrating scenes in Washington's 
life (crossing the Delaware, at Valley Forge, receiving 
the surrender of Cornwallis, saying farewell to his offi- 
cers, taking the oath as President, etc.). 

Singing : "America ;" "God of our fathers, known 
of old," (Kipling's Recessional — effective as a solo or 
quartet) ; "God of our fathers, whose almighty hand ;" 
"A Mighty Fortress is our God;" "To Thee, O God, 
whose guiding hand." 



390 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 

Recitations. 

Addresses: "George Washington's message to our 
time ;" "Washington's preparation for greatness ;" "The 
eighteenth-century idea of patriotism ;" "Washington — 
a study in self mastery ;" "Washington, the Christian 
man in public life." 

For the Sunday Nearest Washington's Birthday. 
Song Service. 

Prayer, by leader or pastor. 
Scripture lesson. 

The leader speaks : "The Christian Citizen/* 
Hymn. 

A member speaks : "George Washington's influence 
on the national life of to-day." 

Another member speaks: "What can we do for the 
cause of Christian citizenship in our own community?" 

Testimonies: "How my religion and' my patriotism 
help each other ;" "My idea of Christian duty in public 
affairs;" "What can I do to help make this a Christian 
nation ?" 

Brief prayers. 

Hymn, "America." 

The League benediction, or this : 

"Render therefore to all their dues ; tribute to whom 
tribute is due ; custom to whom custom ; fear to whom 
fear; honor to whom honor." "Owe no man anything, 
but to love one another : for he that loveth another hath 
fulfilled the law." (Rom. xiii, 7, 8.) 

The prayer service at the close of the testimonies 
may be made very helpful. Encourage general partici- 
pation. Call for prayers of thanksgiving, of confession, 
of petition. We have much to be thankful for — national 
and personal blessings, freedom, and the privileges of 



SPECIAL DAYS. 



391 



citizenship. We have much to confess — national and 
personal failure, indifference to the highest needs of our 
community, State, and nation, the widespread commer- 
cializing of civic ideals. We have much to ask — for a 
sounder Christian patriotism, for courage to carry Chris- 
tian principles into public affairs, for grace to urge the 
claims of Christian citizenship on all who bear the Chris- 
tian name. If possible, at least fifteen minutes should 
be given to this part of the program. 

Get a soloist or quartet to sing Kipling's "Reces- 
sional." It can be found in "Gloria Deo," or the Chris- 
tian Endeavor Hymnal. Other appropriate hymns are 
"God bless our native land;" "America;" "To Thee, O 
God, whose guiding hand ;" "God of our fathers, known 
of old;" "A Mighty Fortress is our God;" "Battle- 
hymn of the Republic." 

Ann i vers ar y-D a y. 

From the first the Epworth League has made much 
of its birthday. May 15, 1889, will always be an epochal 
date because of the far-reaching work which was com- 
pleted on that day. To keep the day in remembrance, the 
custom has been established of observing May 15th, or 
the Sunday nearest it, as Anniversary-day. 

Most Chapters observe the day on the nearest Sunday, 
and the special program which is prepared every year 
is arranged with this fact in mind. Let it be set down 
here, then, that one important element of the celebra- 
tion — the Anniversary Program — is always within reach 
of even the smallest and weakest Chapter. The program 
is usually sold at one dollar per hundred copies, includ- 
ing the necessary supplements. The theme of this pro- 
gram is changed with succeeding years, but it provides 
a most convenient and interesting aid v to the proper ob- 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



servance of the day. And it is planned so as to be 
within the powers of any Chapter of the League. 

Anniversary-day in many places has come to be fully 
recognized as Young People's Day, and the exercises 
of the whole day are arranged accordingly. The pastor 
usually throws himself heartily into the work, and gladly 
avails himself of the opportunity to render special serv- 
ice to the Chapter. For it is not only a kindness to 
his Epworthians, but it is for the time an enlargement 
of his own sphere of influence, and in almost every case 
he takes this view of it. 

The celebration of Anniversary-day should begin 
early in the morning. If there are Comrades of the 
Morning Watch in the Chapter, they should arrange to 
observe the Watch together, inviting all others who will 
to join them. This is not a new plan, of course, being 
simply a variation on the idea of the Sunrise Prayer- 
meeting, but it links the service to an organized move- 
ment within the L,eague, and affords a means of extend- 
ing the usefulness of that movement. 

For the early service ought to be such that it will 
recommend the Morning Watch to many who have not 
before adopted it. If there are no enrolled ''Comrades" 
in the Chapter, hold this service, nevertheless. 

The Chapter may properly ask the pastor to make 
his morning service bear directly on some phase of the 
Young People's movement. There should not be the 
slightest attempt to interfere with the pastor in the treat- 
ment of the theme, but if he is willing, as of course 
he will be, to prepare a special Anniversary Sermon, 
the Chapter should show its appreciation by attending in 
a body. Perhaps, a special section of the Church may be 
reserved for the young people. 

The preparations for the evening service should begin 



SPECIAL DAYS. 393 

at least a month before Anniversary-day. The special 
program should be secured in sufficient quantity to sup- 
ply all who are likely to attend. The supplements will 
provide the material for the various speakers, and the 
program proper will contain the special music. 

The proper program committee for this Anniversary- 
day is the Cabinet. Call a meeting as soon as the pro- 
grams arrive. Plan the work promptly. 

The speakers' parts should be memorized. This can 
not be emphasized too strongly. The difference between 
memorizing and reading makes the difference between 
a good program and a failure. People can not be inter- 
ested in a program which is read. 

Most of the songs provided in the program will 
probably be new to the Chapter and several rehearsals 
will be necessary. Organize a choir for this purpose 
if you have not a League choir already. 

The Fourth Department will have seen to the deco- 
rations, which, while they need not be either expensive 
or extensive, should be really decorative, and in the best 
possible taste. 

During the evening there should be opportunity given 
for a summarized report of the work the Chapter had 
done in the past twelve months. The President should 
make this report. 

The Herald canvass should be in charge of the Fourth 
Vice-President. Copies of the paper should be displayed, 
and subscriptions taken. 

The offering should be devoted to the general pur- 
poses of the local Chapters. It will be a good time to 
secure funds for whatever special work the Chapter has 
on hand. It is understood, of course, that at least one 
dollar of the amount is to be sent to the Epworth League 
headquarters (or two cents a member, if the member- 



394 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 

9 

ship is over fifty), unless this money has already been 
sent in. The Treasurer should remit the amount 
promptly, if possible, on the morning following the col- 
lection to the Assistant Treasurer at Chicago. 

The day ought not to be closed without an earnest 
and personal invitation to all of the young people of the 
Church to identify themselves with the Epworth League 
and with the work which it is doing. Oftentimes mem* 
bership application cards may be used to excellent ad- 
vantage. 

After the installation, the members of the Chapter 
will join the officers at the altar, and, kneeling, will sing 
some hymn of consecration. This should be followed by 
the dedicatory prayer offered by the pastor or some mem- 
ber previously appointed. 

The pastor or Chapter President should have charge 
of the service of dedication, except where the installa- 
tion of officers precedes the dedicatory service. In that 
case the pastor alone should have charge of both services. 

Signalize the day by the inauguration of some new 
enterprise, as suggested in the paragraphs which appear 
under the heading "Some New Departure," on page 403. 

The beginning of some new and really necessary 
work by the Chapter on Anniversary-day will save the 
day from being a mere "hurrah" time, filled with noth- 
ing more abiding than frothy enthusiasm. And the new 
work will have the advantage of a good start, widespread 
interest, and the backing of the Chapter, the Church, and 
the community. 

If not the: Special Anniversary Program? 

If, for any reason, it does not seem best to use the 
special program, there are several other ways of em- 
phasizing the importance of the day. The idea of ig- 



SPECIAL DAYS. 



395 



noring the day should not be entertained for a moment. 
Perhaps the pastor may be willing to devote the even- 
ing service to a consideration of the young people's 
work, preaching a special sermon to them, or traversing 
the ground suggested by "The Justification of the 
Years," (page 15). 

As a part of any work decided upon, the Junior work, 
the report of the Chapter for the retiring year, the pro- 
gram of the new year's work, and The Epworth Herald 
canvass should be introduced. 

In many places it will be possible to secure a member 
of the District or State Cabinet to give the address of 
the evening; or some near-by minister may be secured 
through the co-operation of two Chapters in the exchange 
of pastors for the evening. 

When any of these plans are used, let the regular 
Epworth League meeting be dispensed with, and all 
energy and interest concentrated on the public service. 
Emphasize in every possible way that it is an Epworth 
League meeting. Simple but attractive decoration should 
be used, and the Epworth League colors should be 
prominently displayed. The program may be utilized to 
secure new members. There is no better time for this 
than an hour in which the value, dignity, and helpfulness 
of the Epworth League is being especially emphasized. 

It may be found practicable to present a statement 
of the special work now being urged and prosecuted in 
our Epworth League Chapters. The various activities 
which have been so profitable in so many places may 
well be emphasized at this time. Speak of the great 
progress made in Bible study ; the remarkable spread 
of the mission study movement; the work of individual 
evangelism through the Fellow Worker's idea, and the 
use of the Fellow Worker's Covenant; the Morning 



396 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Watch ; the Christian Stewardship enrollment ; the new 
study courses in Christian Experience, Personal Evan- 
gelism, and in the various benevolences, and the work 
done in the Mercy and Help Department. 

Ask several members to sum up in brief papers the 
work of the year in your Chapter. Subjects such as 
these will give opportunity to show the progress of the 
past twelve months : "The year's gain in Bible study," 
"What we have learned about missions," "The Chapter's 
aid in our spiritual growth," "How the Church has 
helped us," "What we have done for the Juniors," "Our 
Mercy and Help Work," "The Christian Stewardship 
revival," "Our influence on the community outside the 
Church/' "The advance in social helpfulness," and "The 
intellectual profits of the year." 

The report of the Chapter for the past year should 
be read by the retiring President. The program of the 
new year's work should be outlined by the President 
who has just been installed. 

The pastor will install the officers, when the installa- 
tion is made a part of the program. He should also have 
charge of the service of dedication, calling the members 
of the Chapter around the altar just before the singing 
of a dedication hymn, and leading in repetition of a dedi- 
cation prayer. Make this part of the exercises as simple 
as possible. It should be profoundly erTective if rever- 
ently done. 

The Bpworth Herald canvass should be in charge 
of a tactful member. A very brief statement of the value 
and interest of the paper may be made, after which the 
attention of the congregation should be called to the 
terms of subscription. Distribute sample copies at the 
close of the service. 

The following program will serve as a foundation 



SPECIAL DAYS. 



397 



for the exercises. Of course, the more variety that can 
be introduced the better, if it does not destroy the unity 
of the service: 

Song service. 

Prayer. 

The leader speaks, "Our Chapter — its purpose and 
work in the past year."' 
Prayer. 

Brief addresses by members. (See subjects on page 
396.) 

The claim of The Bpzvorth Herald, and canvass for 
new subscribers. 

Installation of officers. 
Dedicatory service. 
The League benediction. 

In a small Chicago Chapter, where many of the mem- 
bers are young and have not yet learned to take much act- 
ive part in the meetings, the Cabinet decided to celebrate 
Anniversary-day by having an "Encouragement Meet- 
ing." On the previous Sunday it was announced that 
every one was expected to bring something in written 
form, telling how the Epworth League had helped him 
during the past year. In order to give the members some 
idea of what was meant a list of suggestions was read 
as follows : 

Would your life have been different if there had been 
no Epworth League Chapter in this Church ? How ? 

Has any particular meeting helped you especially? 

Has any meeting helped you ? How ? 

Has any one of the library books helped you ? 

Have you stopped any bad habit or started any good 
habit because you have attended the League ? 

The papers were not to be signed, but they were 
collected, shaken in a hat, and then re-distributed, so that 



398 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



each one would read another's paper. The plan worked 
very well, and many who had never before done any- 
thing more than recite a verse of Scripture wrote some- 
thing definite about themselves. Such papers as the fol- 
lowing were received : 

"One of the members helped me to give up the 
cigarette habit." 

"I want to tell you that I have started to be a Chris- 
tian" — from one of the most bashful girls in the Chapter. 

"The song, 'He holdeth the storm in His hand' has 
cured me of a terrible fear of thunder-storms," etc. The 
other responses were quite as practical. 

For the Sunday Nearest the Fourth of July. 

Before the meeting write at the top of the blackboard 
the two words, "Righteousness," "Sin," drawing a line 
between them down the center of the board. Ask five 
or six members to be ready to speak, each one giving 
an example of righteousness in our national life, such 
as negro emancipation, the rescue of Cuba, the banish- 
ment of lotteries, the Red Cross, universal education, 
fifteen churches a day, the abolition of the canteen, the 
quickening of the social conscience, the gains of tem- 
perance. Ask five or six to be ready to speak in the like 
manner on great national sins, the American saloon, our 
misgoverned cities, the neglected slums, the worship of 
money, the Mormon disgrace, the divorce evil, the 
degradation of the day of rest, the widespread pas- 
sion of gambling, the growing hatred between em- 
ployer and employed. Confine each speaker to one 
minute. As they speak, put in the proper column the 
word or phrase which describes each theme. Then call 
for additions to the list, on either side of the central 
line. 



SPECIAL DAYS. 



399 



Ask some one to read or repeat Lincoln's Gettysburg 
speech. 

Drape the speaker's stand with a flag, and place the 
Bible on the top. 

Singing : "Battle hymn of the Republic." 
Prayer, by the leader or pastor. 
The Scripture lesson. 

One-minute talks on "Things that shame us." 
Singing. 

General testimony, following the lead of the one- 
minute talks, and answering the question, "What can 
Christian citizens do?" 

Prayers : of thanksgiving for national sins, of suppli- 
cation, for God's guidance of the nation, of petition for 
strength to be Christian citizens. 

Singing : "America." 

The League benediction. 

Independence-Day. 

The Epworth League has no mission to celebrate the 
glorious Fourth in the stereotyped and meaningless 
fashion which is nowadays so popular. That will be 
attended to with a vigor worthy of a better method. 
But it has a call to a better thing, — to the work of mak- 
ing Independence-day a day of genuine patriotism and 
renewed devotion to the highest ideals of American citi- 
zenship. 

Plan for a celebration. Begin long before the day, 
and make your preparations as varied and complete as 
your resources will permit. Enlist everybody in the 
work. Co-operate with all the other young people's 
societies, the Sunday-schools, the fraternal orders, the 
G. A. R., the Sons of Veterans, and everybody else who 
can be interested in a really patriotic celebration. 



4 oo EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 

Provide all the fun-making and noise-making events 
you choose, the more the better, so long as they do not 
obscure the real purpose of the day. 

The central point of the celebration is the speaking. 
Get the very best orator you can find. Be sure he is 
not a mere mouther of braggadocio. On the other 
hand, do not invite a gloomy-hearted, dyspeptic prophet 
of national calamity. The Fourth of July oration 
should be hopeful, yet frank enough to recognize the 
nation's dangers ; it may leave out some of the old 
flights of patriotic rhetoric in order to make room for 
the plain statement of the Christian citizen's plain busi- 
ness in politics and civic life, and it must exalt above 
all things the Christian ideal of national and individual 
conduct. 

Here is a program which will furnish a hint or two, 
out of which the particular program you need may be 
evolved. 

6 A. M. Flag raising, with an Independence-day sa- 
lute. (Let your cannonading, or whatever substitute for 
it is adopted, be wholly in charge of a competent and 
careful individual.) 

10.30 A. M. Procession to park or grove, with a 
float or two, organizations in uniform, citizens afoot, 
mounted, or in carriages, "thirteen original States" repre- 
sented by young ladies in costume. 

LIpon arrival at speaker's stand: 

Hymn, "America." 

Prayer. 

Reading of the Declaration of Independence. (Be 
careful to choose a good reader.) 

Patriotic song by "the thirteen States." 
Flag drill. 

Recitation, "Liberty Bell." 



SPECIAL DAYS. 



401 



Adjournment for dinner, picnic fashion. 

2 P. M. The orator of the day. 

3 P. M. The games and sports. 

9 P. M. Co-operative fireworks. (By uniting forces 
on the fireworks the smallest community may have a 
display that will astonish the natives.) 

The: Rally Days. 

These days, on which special attention is directed to 
the definite plans of study and work which the Epworth 
League presents each year, ought to be observed, not 
merely with enthusiasm, but with an intelligent en- 
thusiasm. 

Bible Study Rally-day is fully considered with the 
other work of the First Department on pages 23 to 149 : 
mission study Rally-day has adequate discussion in its 
place with the work of the Second Department, pages 
150 to 235. 

After the summer's inevitable slackening of effort, 
many Chapters find it profitable to set a day, usually 
in September, to mark the resumption of full Epworth 
League activity. Why should not your Chapter do this ? 
Perhaps it is just the stimulus it needs to start vigor- 
ously on the carrying out of the year's program. 

The Epworth League year begins now. In a few 
weeks the Bible study classes will be hard at work. 
Some mission study and other study courses will be 
planned for the winter. There are inviting fields wait- 
ing to be entered, where half a dozen sorts of courageous 
labor may be done. What will your Chapter do ? What 
will you do as an individual Christian and Epworthian? 

You will not need any new supply of courage to do 
nothing. That can be done usually by the most craven- 
hearted weakling. Perhaps you have found out how easy 
26 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



it is to be idle. And how profitless as well. You may 
have felt in your own soul the woe that comes to those 
who are at ease in Zion. 

Then do something. Remember that every Chris- 
tian is called to service, and that service is not conde- 
scension. God's great service to us did not grow out of 
the fact that He pities us, but out of the fact that He 
is God, and Divinity is service. The more we serve, the 
more godlike we are. 

What shall you do ? The same old things your Chap- 
ter has been doing from the beginning? Yes, if they 
are profitable. Do not be like the Athenians, carried away 
by mere novelty. But yet do some new thing also. 
Consider how many of your Chapter members are ac- 
tive members only in name ; how many associate mem- 
bers have very little association with you. Remember 
that your ideal should be, "To every man his work,*'* and 
to every woman, too. 

Find something worth doing. Do not be satisfied to 
polish your buttons. Do not fritter away time and talents 
on things that are not worth while, or that could better 
be done by some other sort of society. Let your work 
have definite relation to the aims and ideals of the Ep- 
worth League. 

As to the specific things to choose, there is a wide 
range. You can suit all Christian tastes and capacities. 
Here is a mere hint: start a Bible study class, or a 
mission study class, or a class in one of the new study 
courses. Enroll all you can as Christian Stewards, and 
as Comrades of the Morning Watch. Adopt the Station 
Plan. Get into new avenues of Mercy and Help work. 
Take up some form of literary work. Plan some con- 
structive and helpful social activities. Search out some 
new way of co-operating with the pastor, and ask him 



SPECIAL DAYS. 



403 



to help you in the search. Ask yourselves if there is 
not some assistance you can render the cause of better 
citizenship. Get into line in the light against intoxi- 
cants. Tell the pastor he may count on you to help in 
the revival meetings, and in the preliminary home prayer- 
meetings leading up to the revival. 

And, having found something, or several things, that 
need to be done, do not hesitate because they seem too 
great for you. Remember whose servant you are, and 
what Ke has promised. Read the charge to Joshua in 
the first chapter of the book of that name. Thank God 
that He has shown you a task — not only worthy of you, 
but worthy of Himself — and go about the doing of it as 
unto the Lord. 

A Cabinet meeting should be held a week before 
this "Fall Opening" meeting, if possible. If the Cabinet 
decides to take up some new form of work this year, 
there can be no better time to announce it than now, and 
to enlist the co-operation of every member. 

In case this is done, divide the time of the meeting 
into three parts : the first, for the discussion of the topic 
in its larger and more general aspect; the second, for 
the representation and explanation of the new plans : 
and the third, for some brief but earnest and definite 
moments of solemn dedication to and acceptance of the 
new work. 

Some Xew Departure. 

Do you wonder what the "new thing" may be? 
Look over the list below, and see if you are doing every- 
thing it suggests. If not, take up one or more of the 
enterprises named, and put your Chapter after them 
in real earnest, of course being careful to neglect no 
fruitful work already under way. 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



A Fellow-workers' Band. The Central Office, 57 
Washington Street, Chicago, will furnish the forms for 
the Fellow-Workers' Covenant. Secure as many signers 
of the covenant as possible. Then work together for 
the purpose the covenant is designed to secure. Unite, 
combine, co-operate. 

A class in the study of Christian Experience, and an- 
other in the study of Personal Evangelism. These two 
highly important and closely related subjects are now 
provided with brief but exceedingly useful courses of 
study. 

The Bible Study Class. There are three courses now 
available, each of them covering a year's work, and the 
three providing a complete survey of the Bible in three 
years. 

The Mission Study Class. The third Sunday in Oc- 
tober is Missionary Rally-day. Write to the Young 
People's Department of the Missionary Society, 150 Fifth 
Avenue, New York, for information concerning the 
work. 

The use of the Morning Watch Enrollment. This 
is a method of using the early morning hour for Bible 
leading, meditation, and prayer. Ask the Central Office 
about it. 

The Christian Stewardship Enrollment. This is a 
plan for those who believe — and who does not ? — that the 
Christian is a steward, a trustee, of all he possesses. The 
Central Office will explain it fully. 

The Station Plan. By adopting this plan your Chap- 
ter will come into direct communication with some 
missionary in the foreign field, in whose support you 
share. Information will be gladly given you by the Sta- 
tion Plan Office, 150 Fifth Avenue, New York. 



SPECIAL DAYS. 



405 



Co-operation with hospitals and deaconesses. The 
number of institutions under deaconess control, and insti- 
tutions for the relief of all manner of distress, is con- 
stantly increasing. They have many needs. Ask your 
pastor what institutions are so situated that you can easily 
get into touch with them, and help them. 

A reading college. The hints given on page 304 tell 
how easily this admirable plan can be worked. It has 
been a notable success in big Chapters and in little, in 
city and in country. How do you know it would fail 
with you? 

A lecture course. On pages 299 to 302 you will find 
a well-digested plan for a successful lecture course. 
Why should not your Chapter have some such provision 
for winter-evening recreation and instruction ? 

A reading-room. Perhaps you are in a community 
where there is no public reading-room, and no place 
where the young men and boys can gather for an even- 
ing of pleasant and innocent amusement. Why not es- 
tablish a reading-room, with a social-room adjoining, 
furnished with, good periodicals and books, and some 
harmless games? 

Systematic visiting. Do you know the people in 
your neighborhood? Have you found all the recruits 
for the League and the Sunday-school that the com- 
munity affords ? Has your Mercy and Help Department 
a working knowledge of the people who should be reached 
and helped? Look up the suggestions on this subject 
on pages 239 to 247. 

The missionary libraries. Put them in your League 
100m, if you have not already done so. Each library 
costs $10 and is worth $20. This work will admirably 
supplement the work of your mission study class. 



4 o6 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



OivD People's Day. 

It is easy to neglect the aged. But it is neither 
wise nor kind. "Old People's Day," observed as an 
annual Church festival, will do much to repair past neg- 
lect, and prevent future slighting of those whose life- 
work has been bravely done, and who are now a little 
aside from the main currents of life and affairs. 

The Epworth League is the proper organization for 
the management of this day. The tribute which youth 
pays to age is always grateful to the aged, and graceful 
in the young. 

The proper observance of Old People's Day calls not 
so much for special talent as for genuine affection and 
interest. But careful preparation must be made. 

First, fix the date. Some prefer an early summer 
date, about midway in June. But most Chapters have 
found the fall more convenient, and the season possesses 
a certain natural appropriateness which will find expres- 
sion in the decorations, the music, the addresses, and the 
emotions of the guests. 

Make a careful census of the community. If yours 
is the only Church, put all the old people on the invita- 
tion list. If there are other Churches, it may be thought 
best to confine the list to the families connected with 
your Church, though even in that case invitations are 
not to be restricted to the Church membership. There 
are many old people, not members of the Church, to 
whom the invitation would bring unmeasured happiness. 

Send a written or printed invitation to every person 
on the list, at least a week in advance. If any age limit 
is fixed, do not set it below sixty years. Perhaps sixty- 
five is better. At sixty-five there is usually no sensitive- 
ness about being called elderly, while people under sixty 



SPECIAL DAYS. 



407 



are often in the prime of their powers, and do not care 
to be counted old. 

Carriages should be provided for all the guests, if 
possible. If that can not be done, be sure that there are 
carriages for those who could not otherwise be present. 
Of course there will be careful and interested drivers, 
so that no timid guest need hesitate about the trip to and 
from the church. 

If the day is observed in the early summer, flowers 
will be abundant, and they should be freely used in the 
decorations. If a later date is chosen, the decorations 
may include autumn leaves, ripe grain, and the fall flow- 
ers, especially the old-fashioned sorts. With these, use 
the League colors, and a flag or two. Have a bouquet 
ready for each guest. 

The old-time hymns will be sung, of course, and to 
the old-time tunes. Do not leave the selection of hymns 
to the last moment. Ask some of the old people to 
suggest the favorite hymns of their youth, and be care- 
ful to get the music. Some of our modern choirs can 
not, without the music, sing such hymns as "O Thou in 
whose presence my soul takes delight," or ''How tedious 
and tasteless the hours," or "Jesus, my All, to heaven 
is gone." 

The pastor will preach an appropriate sermon, or per- 
haps some aged minister can be selected for that serv- 
ice. Some good themes are : "The pilgrimage of life," 
"The old paths," "Fruit in old age," "Growing old grace- 
fully," "The pathos of an old age without faith." 

At the close of the sermon, shall the service end? 
No, the Lord's Supper may be administered, or a Love 
Feast conducted, or an old-time class-meeting held. 
Whatever is done, let it be arranged so that the guests 
of the day shall be considered and provided for first. 



4 o8 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



Many Chapters find it profitable, in connection with 
Old People's Day,, to hold a week-day reception, pre- 
ferably in the afternoon. The same decorations will 
serve, in part, and others may be added. The room may 
be made cozy with rocking-chairs, rugs, and cushions. 
Two or three short addresses, more or less reminiscent 
in tone, some good music, and dainty refreshments, will 
make an attractive program. Perhaps letters from 
former residents may be read. 

Old People's Day will fail of its large purpose unless 
its spirit is projected into the ordinary life of Chapter 
and Church. Through the year there should be occa- 
sional' calls on the old people, and frequent reminders 
that they are loved and reverenced by the younger people 
of the Church. 

Than ksgivi n g-D ay. 

Thanksgiving-day is, first of all, a religious festival. 
Otherwise it would have no justification. The very 
name pre-empts the day for the expressing of gratitude 
to God. 

Of course, it is not blameworthy that we have made 
the day a very human festival also. It is properly a 
feast day, since the, right enjoyment of God's material 
gifts is one way of being thankful for them. But neither 
dinner nor play properly shows forth the spirit of the 
day, unless the distinctively religious side of the occasion 
is put first. 

It has become difficult to arrange for a Thanksgiv- 
ing service in the church. Many pastors have tried to 
hold such services, and, after several failures, have fallen 
back on the expedient of union Thanksgiving services, 
most of which are no better attended than the denomina- 
tional attempts which preceded them. 



SPECIAL DAYS. 



But what one man can not do, a group of interested 
and resourceful young people can do. The pastor can 
provide the sermon, and his young people, if they will, 
can provide the congregation. Let the pastor and his 
Epworthians get together. They can devise a new dress 
for the old observance, and it may be made popular once 
more go to church on Thanksgiving morning. 

Relieve the pastor of all the details of the service. 
Let him have the opportunity to put into a thirty-minute 
sermon the best that is in him for this occasion. Tell 
him if he will provide a message you will see that he gets 
a hearing. 

Prepare special music. "Work with and through the 
the leader of the choir, and get the singers to pledge 
their presence at the service. Usually, you know, sing- 
ing at a Thanksgiving service is pretty uncertain, but 
nearly always doleful. If you can promise reform in 
that direction you will have already interested some 
people. 

Decorate the Church. Make it bright with flowers 
and potted plants, with the national colors, and with 
the colors of the League. Provide a little buttonhole 
bouquet for everybody who comes. Post ushers at the 
doors to welcome the people as the}- come. 

Advertise. The media of advertising are number- 
less, — cards, dodgers, newspaper notices, window posters, 
postal cards, printed invitations, but a living, walking ad- 
vertisement is the best of them alb Recommend the serv- 
ice. Ask people to recognize it as part of their Thanks- 
giving program. Invite them to bring their guests. 
Promise — and keep your word — that the service shall last 
, exactly one hour, and that by twelve o'clock all may 
be on their way to the turkey. 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



The offering at this service should be used for char- 
itable purposes. If the Chapter is providing Thanks- 
giving dinners for those who have special need, the 
money may properly be used for that. Otherwise, the 
Mercy and Help Department will know what to do 
with it. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



CEREMONIAL OCCASIONS. 

It is entirely Methodistic to make much of occasions. 
John Wesley advised it, and took his own advice. We 
are wise when we take it also. 

Installation and reception services, when carefully 
and understandingly conducted, are always profitable. 
They impress everybody with the seriousness and dignity 
of the work. They put the stamp of value upon the 
Epworth League's business. Membership and official 
responsibility in the League are things of privilege and 
honor, and ought to be so regarded. 

It is not necessary that the same form be always 
followed. Often a new form may be improvised, or 
additions may be provided to suit special conditions. 

In the installation service the exercises may be en- 
riched by brief addresses from leaders in other depart- 
ments of the Church work, such as class-leaders, stew- 
ards, trustees, Sunday-school superintendents, workers 
in various ladies' societies, etc. 

At another time the President-elect may speak, fol- 
lowed by the Vice-Presidents in turn, each one empha- 
sizing the scope of the work committed to his depart- 
ment. 

Sometimes symbols of the departments may be used 
effectively: a gavel for the President, a Bible for the 
First Department, a torch for the Second, a flower for 
the Third, a copy of The Epworth Herald and a wreath 

411 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



for the Fourth, a pen for the Secretary, and a purse for 
the Treasurer. 

Reception oe New Members. 

President. — You have been duly elected to member- 
ship in our Chapter of the Epworth League. In wel- 
coming you to its fellowship, we wish to state its object 
and aims, and to hear your pledge of loyalty to its 
spirit. 

What is the object of the Epworth League? 

Response. — The object of the Epworth League is to 
promote intelligent and vital piety in the younger mem- 
bers and friends of the Church, to aid them in the attain- 
ment of purity of heart and in constant growth in grace, 
and to train them in works of mercy and help. 

P. — Will you strive to realize this object? 

R.— I will. 

P. — Into how large a fellowship do you desire to 
enter ? 

R. — I desire a league offensive and defensive with 
every soldier of Christ. 

P. — What is your duty to the Church? 

R. — We live to make our Church a power in the land, 
while we live to love every other Church that exalts our 
Christ. • 

P. — Our motto is "Look up, lift up.'' Will you make 
this your motto? 
R.— I will. 

P. — We understand that you desire to become an ac- 
tive member of our Chapter. 
R.— I do. 

P. — Will you earnestly seek for yourself, and do what 
you can to help others attain, the highest New Testament 
standard of experience and life? 

R._I w iH. 



\ 



CEREMONIAL OCCASIONS. 413 

P. — Will you abstain from all those forms of worldly 
amusement forbidden by the Discipline of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church? 

R.— I will. 

P. — Will you attend, as far as possible, the religious 
meetings of the Chapter and Church, and take some ac- 
tive part in the same? 

R.— I will. 

P. — In the name of our Chapter and of the Epworth 
League I extend to you the right hand of fellowship, 
and welcome you to membership in this great body of 
Methodist young people. (I take pleasure in assigning 

you to the Department of ), and 1 trust our 

fellowship may be mutually profitable to ourselves and 
a blessing to the Church. 

Graduation of Juniors. 

(They assemble in front and are presented by the - 
Junior League Superintendent.) 

Pastor. — You have now reached an age entitling you 
to membership in the Epworth League. Before trans- 
ferring your membership thereto, we wish to question 
you upon the work you have done in the Junior League. 

Have you read the four Gospels and Acts and Epis- 
tles, and answered the questions thereon? 

Response. — We have. 

P. — Have you finished the Course of study prescribed 
for the Junior League, and received certificate and seals 
for the same? 

R. — We have. 

P. — Will you repeat the Apostles' Creed? 
R. — (Juniors repeat the Apostles' Creed.) 
P. — Repeat the Ten Doctrines of Grace as held by the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 



4H EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 

R. — (Juniors repeat Ten Doctrines.) 

P. — The President of the Epworth League will now 
(juestion your knowledge of the purpose and pledge of 
the Epworth League. 

From this point use the form for the reception of new 
members. 

Installation of Chapter Officers. 

(Officers present themselves before the pastor in 
order.) 

Pastor. — These persons have been elected or properly 
appointed as officers, and the President-elect has been ap • 
proved by the Quarterly Conference. 

(To the President-elect.) You have been elected to 
the chief office of the League. It will be your duty to 
conduct the affairs of the League ; to interest yourself 
in all the details of its organization and work; to coun- 
sel with all departments, and to be a pattern for their 
inspiration ; to preside in the Cabinet and business meet- 
ings ; and to represent the Epworth League in the Quar- 
terly Conference. 

(To the First Vice-President.) You have been elected 
to the office of First Vice-President. You thus become 
superintendent of the spiritual work. Your duty will re- 
quire you to arrange for the regular devotional-meeting 
of the Chapter and to look after the spiritual welfare 
of the members, inviting those who are interested to 
join the classes of the Church. To you will be com- 
mitted the work, if possible, of organizing and training 
a personal workers' class, and a class for the study of 
Christian experience. It is also your duty, at least once 
each year, to present the subject of the Morning Watch 
Enrollment; to interest the young people in systematic 
daily study of the Bible ; to appoint a committee on 



CEREMONIAL OCCASIONS. 



4i5 



Bible study, if necessary ; to conduct devotional-meet- 
ings for special classes of persons, such as sailors, rail- 
road men, etc., to help the Superintendent in building 
up the Sunday-school ; and to foster the interests of the 
Junior League. 

(To the Second Vice-President.) Unto you is given 
the work of the Department of World Evangelism. You 
are to endeavor to interest our young people in the mis- 
sionary and other benevolent interests of the Church; 
to enlist the members in the systematic study of Chris- 
tian missions; to circulate the missionary libraries and 
literature ; to arrange for monthly meetings of the Chap- 
ter; to circulate a Cycle of Prayer for world evangel- 
ism ; to present the claims of Christian Stewardship ; 
to interest the members in the systematic study of Chris- 
tian Stewardship ; and to seek to enroll the members in 
the Christian Stewardship Enrollment. You shall con- 
tinually keep before our young people the aim of this 
department as embodied in its motto, "The world for 
Christ in this generation." 

(To the Third Vice-President.) You have been 
elected to the Department of Mercy and Help. It will 
be your duty to arrange for the systematic visitation of 
the members of the Chapter, the sick of the neighbor- 
hood, the aged, and the newcomers to the community. 
You shall interest the Chapter in the charities of the 
place, and plan to give aid when needed. It will 
be your duty also to promote a campaign of temperance 
reform and signing of the pledge, the circulation of 
temperance literature, and, if possible, a temperance 
study class; to have charge of the social purity work, 
tract distribution, and kindred activities. All kinds of 
charitable work, when undertaken by the Chapter — such 
as visiting hospitals, nursing, distributing flowers, start- 



4 i6 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



ing industrial schools, conducting employment bureaus, 
coffee-houses, day nurseries — will be under your care. 

(To the Fourth Vice-President.) You are assigned 
to the Department of Literary and Social Work. It shall 
be your aim to give stimulus and direction to general 
Christian culture, and to do what you can to quicken 
the intellectual and social life of the members of the 
Chapter and of our community. It shall be part of your 
duty to instruct the membership of the Chapter in the 
doctrines, polity, history, and present activities of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and other denominations of 
the Church universal; to open, if practical, libraries, 
reading-rooms, artrooms, night schools, and the like; 
to arrange for lectures and literary gatherings ; to ex- 
tend the circulation of The Bpworth Herald and the 
other publications of the Church; to be on the outlook 
for new members, and be ready to receive them and 
introduce them at all the meetings of the Chapter; to 
have charge of all music of the Chapter except that of 
the devotional-meetings ; to provide flowers for the pul- 
pit, and ushers when needed. Picnics, excursions, and 
all social entertainments shall be under your care. 

(To the Secretary.) As Secretary, your duty will 
be to keep the records of the meetings and of the mem- 
bership; to attend to the correspondence and to aid the 
President and department heads to prepare notices, letters 
of removal, and to keep the District and General League 
Officers informed as to the status of the work in the 
local Chapter. 

(To the Treasurer.) Into your keeping are com- 
mitted the financial interests of the Chapter. You are 
to collect the regular dues ; take the special collections ; 
disburse the money for current expenses ; and perform 
such other financial duties as may be imposed upon you. 
It is also your duty to forward to the Assistant Treas- 



CEREMONIAL OCCASIONS. 



4i7 



urer of the Epworth League in Chicago, 111., during 
the month of May, in each year, the sum of one dollar, 
if the membership of the Chapter is fifty or less, and two 
cents per member if the membership is more than fifty, 
as your Chapter dues to meet the expenses of the general 
organization. 

(To the Junior Superintendent). — It is your task, and 
a blessed one, to gather the boys and girls into the Junior 
League, and to secure their conversion to God and their 
training in the essentials of Christian faith and conduct. 
You are to teach with carefulness, to guide with watch- 
fulness, to control with love, and to educate in the Spirit 
of Christ the children committed to your care. You will 
use the courses of study wisely, and prepare your mem- 
bers for transfer in due time into the senior organization, 
where they may continue the upright and useful lives 
begun under your influence. 

Fellow members : You have heard in outline a state- 
ment of the work upon which you are now to enter. 
Will you discharge the duties committed to your care 
as you have opportunity and to the best of your ability? 

Officers. — I will. 

Pastor. — I will lift mine eyes unto the hills, from 
whence cometh my help. 

Officers. — My help cometh from the Lord, which 
made heaven and earth. 

P. — Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then 
cometh the harvest ? Behold, I say unto you, lift up your 
eyes and look on the fields ; for they are white already 
to the harvest. 

O. — We count not our lives dear unto ourselves, so 
that we may finish our course with joy and the ministry 
which we have received of the Lord Jesus to testify the 
Gospel of the grace of God, 
27 



418 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



P. — If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, 
that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and 
it shall be given him. 

O. — Thou wilt show me the path of life; in Thy 
presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are 
pleasures for evermore. 

P. — Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He will give 
thee the desires of thy heart. 

Pastor's address : Having been elected or appointed 
to fill these responsible positions for the ensuing six 
months (or "year," as the case may be), much of the 
success and strength of the work will depend upon you. 
You will need to plan for it, to work for it. You will 
need to inspire and assist all the other members, person- 
ally to entreat them, and to draw them into closer fellow- 
ship. 

There are souls among you to be converted; there 
are erring ones to be uplifted ; there are suffering ones 
to be relieved. You will need discretion, constant watch- 
fulness for opportunities, and the continual presence of 
the Holy Spirit. 

There is no activity in the Church, no movement of 
reform, in which you may not rightfully engage, for the 
upbuilding of Christlike characters. "Therefore, My 
brethren, be ye steadfast, immovable, always abounding 
in the work of the Lord; forasmuch as ye know that 
your labor is not in vain in the Lord." 

Consecration prayer. 

Response by new President. 

The Epworth League Benediction: Leader. — The 
Lord bless thee and keep thee. 

Response. — The Lord make His face shine upon thee 
and be gracious unto thee. 

All. — The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee 
and give thee peace. 



CEREMONIAL OCCASIONS. 



419 



Installation of District Officers. 

The Presiding Elders' District Convention should not 
idjourn until the new officers are publicly installed. In 
ill but special cases the Presiding Elder should be invited 
:o conduct the installation service. 

Officers to be installed present themselves at the altar. 

Singing. 

Responsive service : 

Retiring President. — "I will lift up mine eyes unto the 
hills, from whence cometh my help." 

Officers. — "My help cometh from the Lord, which 
made heaven and earth." 

R. P. — ''They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." 

O. — "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing pre- 
cious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, 
bringing his sheaves with him.'' 

R. P. — ''The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; 
and he that winneth souls is wise." • 

O. — "And they that be wise shall shine as the bright- 
ness of the firmament ; and they that turn many to right- 
eousness as the stars for ever and ever.'' 

R. P. — "For we are laborers together with God." 

O. — "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and 
of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, 
unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." 

Presiding Elder (to the District President). — We 
rely upon you to superintend the work of the young 
people upon this district. Visit the Chapters, organize 
new Chapters, encourage all by letters, inspire the young 
people by your example, secure the observance of the 
Epworth League Anniversary, the promotion of Juniors, 
increased loyalty to the Church, and co-operation with 
the pastors on the part of the Epworth League members. 

(To the First Vice-President.) — Realize fully the 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



spiritual aims of the Epworth League, assist the Presi- 
dent in visiting the Chapters, encourage personal evan- 
gelism and spread the Fellow-Workers' Covenant, pro- 
mote Bible study and the study of Christian experience, 
form companies of Comrades of the Morning Watch, 
and set forth by precept and example the highest New 
Testament standard of experience and life. 

(To the Second Vice-President.) — Your task is to 
energize and direct the work of world evangelism. You 
will encourage and promote mission study and the study 
of the Church's manifold benevolent work, recommend 
and illustrate the blessedness of Christian Stewardship, 
and in all ways magnify the world-wide mission of every 
disciple of Jesus Christ. 

(To the Third Vice-President.) — To encourage and 
systematize the varied work of Mercy and Help among 
the Chapters of the district, is one task of your depart- 
ment. The work of our Methodist hospitals and homes, 
and of the deaconesses, should receive your heartiest 
assistance, and sustained interest in and active support 
of the temperance crusade by every Chapter on the dis- 
trict should be your aim. 

(To the Fourth Vice-President.) — To you is com- 
mitted the task of encouraging the organization of read- 
ing circles, the circulation of The Epworth Herald, and" 
the observance of the Epworth League College-day in 
all the Chapters in the district. There are diversions, 
both intellectual and social, which may be used in the 
name of the Lord Jesus. Direct the attention of our 
young people to them. Warn them of the paths of 
folly, reprove gently, cultivate the widest social inter- 
course and sympathy, and multiply occasions of social 
improvement. 

(To the Secretary.) — Keep the records of the Dis- 



CEREMONIAL OCCASIONS. 



trict Cabinet and of the Conventions accurately, and see 
that they are faithfully preserved and promptly turned 
over to your successor. Co-operate with the President 
in his correspondence, send out all notices promptly, se- 
cure a report from every Chapter Secretary, and care- 
fully transmit the roster of officers to the Central Office 
of the Ep worth League. 

(To the Treasurer.) — Look carefully after the ex- 
penses of the District Convention, and insist that each 
Chapter shall contribute on Anniversary-day at least one 
dollar to the expenses of the general organization. 

(To the Junior Superintendent.)— To you is com- 
mitted a task which angels might envy, to interest every 
Methodist Church and home in the conversion of the 
boys and girls, and secure their membership in the 
Church, that every Junior on this district may be per- 
suaded to read the Bible, complete the work required 
for promotion to the Epworth League, and become 
grafted into the Great Vine. 

You have heard this brief enumeration of your duties. 
Will you faithfully perform them? 

O. — We will endeavor to do so in the fear of God. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



THE EPWORTH LEAGUE PLEDGE. 

Those who object to the pledge idea and plead for 
liberty do not realize that the pledge has positive moral 
value. 

The dependence on the pledged word, on covenants, 
is well-nigh universal. It is insisted upon when a man 
changes his citizenship, or speaks in a case at law, or 
borrows money, or sells a farm, or enters upon public 
office, or gets his life insured, or joins a lodge, or imports 
dry goods, or is hired to teach school, or gets married. 
The world is moved by the two words which are implied 
in the League pledge, "I promise.'' 

It is a recognition of the priceless gift of human 
freedom. No machine or beast of the field or star of 
the sky can say, "I will." Man can. He can map out 
a course and then, by. opening his life to the right in- 
fluences, and by his own powers, he can follow that 
course to the end. Let metaphysicians worry "the free- 
dom of the will" aS Towser worries a bone. We come 
out of every argument on the subject with the same em- 
phatic conviction : "Nevertheless, I am free." 

There is the secret of the pledge's value. It is a free 
person marking out a course. The purpose to follow 
that course is itself a moral impetus. The making of 
the pledge commits the maker. He has cut loose. He 
is a conqueror who has crossed the Rubicon. He is a 
discoverer who has burned his ships behind him. He 

422 



THE EPWORTH LEAGUE PLEDGE. 



can undo it all, — but it is less likely that he will fail than 
if he had relied merely on getting over some kind of a 
course some time. 

That does not fully state the case, either. As a 
matter of fact, a pledge like that of the Epworth League- 
is always taken after the real promise has been given. 

You can not honestly sign a pledge-card unless you 
have already taken the pledge in heart and mind. And 
why should a Christian hesitate to commit himself to 
this form of words ? He has already committed himself 
to everything it stands for, or he is not a Christian. 



Stye Priig*. 

31 mill earnestly seek for muself, and do what 3J ran to 
help others attain, the titnbest Nrtu ©estantrnt standard of ex- 
prrienre and life. 31 will abstain front all those forms of 
morldUj amusement forhtddrn bg tlje Bisripline of the ileth.- 
odist lEpisropal GUfurrh., and 3 mill attend, so far as possible, 
the religious nwetinnja of the (Etjaptrr and ttje (Chnrrh, and take 
some artiue part in them. 



The Pledge; Analyzed : Clause One. 

The first clause of the pledge is the life of it. It is 
no mere every-day contract. It is the announcement of 
a life purpose, a real "quest of the Holy Grail." 

In the legend the knight sought the cup of the Last 
Supper. He who takes this pledge to seek the New 
Testament standard of experience and life, is seeking 
a holier thing than the cup. He is seeking to drink of 
the cup of the Lord, it is true, but not in any outward 
seeming. When our Lord was besought to give great 
place to two ambitious disciples, He asked them : "Are 



424 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



ye able to drink of My cup ?" They knew not what they 
asked or promised. To-day's disciple who takes this 
pledge must know. He is seeking fellowship with Jesus 
Christ, the inner sacrament, instead of the vessel which 
held the wine. 

The pledge is fully worded, so that there shall be 
no mistake. But it can be reduced to lower terms. "I 
will seek the New Testament standard" — there is but 
one standard in that Book, but we must understand it 
for what it is, a very high standard. 

Let us paraphrase this part of the pledge. It can be 
re-stated in various forms. "I will seek Jesus Christ." 
None can live in the New Testament atmosphere with- 
out the New Testament life in him. And the life of 
the new covenant is given by the Christ, who sealed that 
covenant with His blood. So no one who is unwilling 
to be a Christian can take this pledge. 

"I will seek the kingdom of heaven." The pledge 
does a great service in locating the kingdom of heaven 
here on the earth. There is no room for doubt as to 
the present-day bearing of the pledge. It is of the hour 
that is passing. But he who is keeping the pledge is 
really seeking to bring to pass the coming of the kingdom. 
The first sentence of the pledge recognizes this, and links 
salvation and service in an appropriate intimacy. 

"I will seek power." There is no going to this war- 
fare of pledge-keeping at one's own charges. The task 
is too hard, and the way is too long. If you are in search 
of the New Testament life you will need New Testa- 
ment power to help you live it. "Ye shall receive power." 

What is the New Testament standard ? In the terms 
of the Master's own definition it is twofold. "Ye must 
be born again," and "A new commandment . . . that 
ye love one another, as I have loved you." In the terms 



THE EPWORTH LEAGUE PLEDGE. 



425 



of the apostle to the Gentiles it is also twofold. "Be 
not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed," 
and "Use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but 
by love serve one another." 

So it is linked in the pledge. "I will seek for my- 
self, and do what I can to help others attain." Is it not 
wonderful how these two thoughts find each other and 
travel together? It is Christianity in a phrase — life and 
service. The two can not be divorced. 

And in the Epworth League there is no effort to 
separate them. Rather do we put emphasis on personal 
evangelism as the service which is proof and outflowing 
of the inner life. 

The Christian is by nature an evangelist. By the 
terms of his own conversion he becomes a preacher of 
salvation to others. He is pledged to that work in the 
moment of pardon for sin and the imparting of the new 
life. So it is no new obligation he is assuming when he 
promises to help others attain the standard of life which 
he seeks for himself. 

Clause; Two. 

The rest of the pledge follows as a matter of course. 
It is merely an expansion of the first clause by going into 
details. These details are good for information and guid- 
ance, but the first part of the pledge has the root in it. 

"I will abstain." Surely the new life has its nega- 
tive side. There are some things a Christian will not 
do. It is not claimed that this clause is exhaustive. It 
is merely illustrative. Your abstinence will go far be- 
yond these things that are named. Every Epworthian 
will add a longer catalogue of things which are on for- 
bidden ground for him. His catalogue will include many 
things in themselves harmless, for in every life it is 



426 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



possible to say of lawful things: "All things are not 
expedient. What is the best thing to do?" The answer 
will exclude many a good thing which might otherwise 
have been included. 

Clause Three. 

"I will attend." This is a somewhat narrow clause, 
relating to only one side of the new life — that side which 
touches the Chapter and the Church. So far as it goes, 
it is a great help. It insures a prosperous devotional- 
meeting, and an inspiring preacher. For these things are 
much more dependent upon interested attendants than 
is generally supposed. It is not the preacher who makes 
the Church, nor the leader who makes the meeting. It 
is the people. The history of many a community has 
chapters which illustrate this truth. The people have 
sustained the Chapter in spite of poor leaders, and have 
made the sermons of a prosy preacher actually inspiring 
because of the inspiration of their listening and their 
prayer. 

The Highest Standard. 

There are those who think that the word "highest" 
in the Epworth League pledge indicates that "high" and 
"higher" Scriptural standards exist, which are a little 
lower than the "highest." But not so. There is in the 
New Testament only one standard of living. "Highest 
standard" and "New Testament standard" are equiva- 
lent terms. The highest standard is also the lowest. 
Saint Paul said in one place: "As ye have therefore 
received Jesus Christ the Lord, so walk ye in Him." 
That is, the Christian life should never get below its 
beginning. We received Christ Jesus by acceptance of 
His pardon, and by complete surrender to His will. Any- 
thing less than that complete surrender is too low a stand- 
ard for the Christian. 



THE EPWORTH LEAGUE PLEDGE. 



Of course, there will be new knowledge of Christ in 
the daily doing of His will, and in that sense our stand- 
ard will rise with experience. But always there must 
be the "Thy will be done" of the prayer that teaches 
to pray. There must be the steadfast purpose of loyalty 
to Christ, and there will be a growing eagerness to serve 
and obey Him. So the highest New Testament standard, 
though always the same in requirement, will become 
through the years a greater and more beautiful ideal, 
always calling us to fuller and holier life. 

What is the; Purpose of" the: Pledge: ? 

We narrow it when we think of it solely as a means 
to personal advancement in the Christian life. At the 
very outset, as we declare our purpose to seek the New 
Testament standard, we find imbedded in the sentence 
the social purpose of the pledge, the purpose to help 
others in the attainment of the same standard of experi- 
ence and life which we seek for ourselves. 

There lies the great Christian secret. No man liveth 
to himself. He that would save his soul shall lose it. 
No man can be saved while he seeks nothing beyond his 
own salvation. We are members one of another. "When 
a hand gathers food it does so for the whole body, it- 
self included, and apart from the general nutrition of 
the body there *could be no nutriment for the hand." 

So the purpose of the pledge is to bind us to a plan 
of life that will bring us closer to God, and closer to 
our fellows ; to make us better children of God at the 
same time as we become better kinsmen of our brethren 
in all the world. 

Who Should Take: the: Pledge:? 

Our pledge is not obligatory. Each Chapter may 
determine for itself whether it will adopt the pledge. 



428 - EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



But there ought to be no Chapters without the pledge. 
Every Epworthian should take it. It was not left to 
discretion because of any doubt as to its wisdom or 
value, but because its framers believed in local self-gov- 
ernment. One can be a Christian without taking the 
pledge. But it is impossible to be a Christian without, 
in substance, living the pledge. Its four elements — life, 
service, abstinence, and duty — are part of the equipment 
of every follower of Jesus Christ. 

Do You Know the Pledge? 

We venture to say that there are many active mem- 
bers of the Epworth League who have taken the pledge 
could not repeat it from memory. Some could not even 
give an intelligent idea of what it embraces. That is 
a pity. One of the first things which a Chapter should 
insist upon is that every active member become thor- 
oughly familiar with the pledge. 

There are several ways of aiding new members to 
memorize the pledge : 

1. It should be printed in large type and hung up 
conspicuously in the room in which the Chapter meets. 

2. It should be printed on the topic cards and other 
literature of the First Department. 

3. It should be repeated in concert at least once a 
month in connection with the regular devotional-meet- 
ing. 

4. It should be taken up by the Chapter, paragraph by 
paragraph, and fully discussed. A series of "evenings 
with the pledge" could be arranged. One evening could 
be devoted to the first clause : "I will earnestly seek for 
myself, and do what I can to help others attain, the 
highest New Testament standard of experience and 
life." Another evening to the second clause, and so on. 



THE EPWORTH LEAGUE PLEDGE. 



When we are left to our better selves it is natural to 
say "I will" to God, for what He offers is manifestly to 
cur advantage. We should take it as a sign that there 
is something wrong with us when God's invitations seem 
to call us to unattractive lives. He who can find nothing 
winsome in the Gospel is most in need of it. 

Some Pledge: Questions. 

Is the pledge understood? 

Is it kept when we are careful to stay just inside the 
letter of its requirements? 

What are some gains of pledge-making? 

What are some dangers which grow out of making 
the pledge? 

How does injury gome from failure to keep the 
pledge ? 

How much importance should be placed on the 
pledge ? 

Who should interpret the pledge for me ? 

Is the pledge a definite vow, or the setting of an ideal, 
towards which we may work by degrees ? 

How is it possible to keep the letter of the pledge, and 
violate its spirit? 

Why is doing God's will the highest freedom? 

What is the great difference between a servant and 
a friend? 

What is the condition of becoming a friend of Jesus 
Christ? 

Reasons for the Peedge. 

It is a confession of duty. 

It is a help towards faithfulness. 

It builds a fence around dangerous places. 

It is the expression of our truest convictions, 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



It provides another bond of fellowship. 
It is a practical and constant reminder of our obli- 
gations. 

Conducting a Pledge Meeting. 

Post the pledge in a conspicuous place, and ask the 
active members to repeat it in concert at some appropriate 
moment during the meeting. 

Use the blackboard for the questions given elsewhere. 
Keep the blank side of the board in sight until you are 
ready to call for testimonies. Then swing the questions 
around. 

Ask half a dozen people to explain the "Reasons for 
the pledge." 

Use the questions and other helps towards testimony 
as a means of getting the more backward members to 
take part. The others can do without these helps. 

Be careful to encourage real testimony, that shall be 
personal and pointed. This is no subject for vague and 
general essays on abstract themes. Do not be afraid 
of the first personal pronoun, unless it runs too much 
to the stating of long-winded views and opinions. 

Present the pledge. If you have already adopted it 
as a Chapter, seek to win the associate members. They 
ought not to remain associates a moment after they have 
once seen the beauty and the worth of making full sur- 
render to God's love. If your Chapter has not adopted 
it, present it for adoption by individual members, and 
perhaps the Chapter will vote to adopt it as a result of 
this meeting. What better practical outcome could you 
desire ? 

Hymns for a Pledge Meeting. 

"Lord, I am Thine, entirely Thine." 
"Prince of Peace, control my will," 



THE EPWORTH LEAGUE PLEDGE. 



"King of kings, and wilt thou deign." 

"Walk in the light, so shalt thou know." 

"O, for a heart to praise my God." 

"Forever here my rest shall be." 

"I am Thine, O, Lord; I have heard Thy voice. 

"My life, my love, I give to Thee." 

"Faith of our fathers, living still." 

"Take my life and let it be." 



CHAPTER XV. 



SUPERVISION, INSPIRATION, AND INSTRUC- 
TION. 

THE DISTRICT LEAGUE. 

The District League has its necessary place because 
of the essentially Methodistic character of the Epworth 
League. The natural grouping of any sort of Methodist 
societies is the same ; first, the pastoral charge ; second, 
the district. This gives the same "sub-bishop" to the Ep- 
worth League organization that the Church already pos- 
sesses. It provides the connecting link between the local 
Chapter and the general organization. There are Con- 
ference Epworth Leagues in some parts of the Church, 
and a number of State organizations are doing excellent 
work, while several of the General Conference Districts 
are organized and active. But the Conference, State, and 
General Conference District Epworth Leagues are not, 
strictly speaking, essential to the complete articulation of 
the League's work. In some places they work well ; in 
others they are not advisable ; in still others they are en- 
tirely out of the question. But the District Epworth 
League is essential wherever the Methodist Episcopal 
Church is in operation. 

The District Cabinet is organized with the same list 
of officers as complete the local Cabinet, and each district 
officer has supervision over the corresponding officers in 
the various Chapters throughout the district. Each dis- 

432 



SUPERVISION, INSPIRATION, INSTRUCTION. 433 



trict department head is the channel through which the 
information concerning the local Chapter finds its way 
to the District Cabinet and the District Convention. In 
many districts the District Cabinet makes more or less 
formal tours over the district, either as a body or indi- 
vidually, each member going in the interest of his own 
part of the work. 

The District Cabinet has large importance as an or- 
ganizing and reorganizing force. It should see to it that 
every charge on the district has an Epworth League 
Chapter, unless conditions plainly indicate that it is im- 
possible. The dead Chapters and the dying must be re- 
vived. The members of the Cabinet may profitably visit 
each charge where such a Chapter is found, in a body, if 
they can give sufficient time to the work, co-operating 
with the pastor in looking up members and probable lead- 
ers to take charge. 

Then when the reorganizing meeting is held it will be 
much easier to secure recruits for a new start than it 
would be if none but the faithful ones of the almost life- 
less local Chapter should make the attempt. The Chap- 
ter doubtless failed because it did nothing to justify its 
existence. It can not be revived unless something is 
given it to do. Therefore start something when the Chap- 
ter is resuscitated. Start a Bible study class or a mission 
study class. Organize a class in Christian experience, or 
a fellow-workers' band. Present the Christian Steward- 
ship enrollment. Enroll the members as comrades of the 
Morning Watch. Perhaps some temperance task is ready 
for vigorous effort. Set people to work. Get something 
going, and enlist the interest of the local Epworthians in 
definite work in their own Chapter, and, if possible, in 
things outside their own little community also. Link 
them to the great Church of which they are a part. 
28 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



The work of the district organization continues the 
rear through, but it comes to its highest tide of visible 
results in the annual district convention. Here the work 
of the Cabinet bears fruit that can be seen and tested of 
all men. Here the officers give an account of the way in 
which they have discharged the trust committed to them. 
Here old plans are reported upon and new plans launched. 
Here the Cabinet feels the pulse of the district and dis- 
covers why some things failed last year and what work 
is most likely to succeed next year. Here the Chapters 
come together and feel the esprit de corps which makes 
district work easy in the measure that it spreads among 
the Chapters and the members. 

A Suggestive; District Letter. 

The following letter indicates, better than much de- 
scription could do, the functions performed and the rela- 
tion to the local Chapters assumed by a district organi- 
zation : 

The Indianapolis District Epworth League is un- 
usually well organized. The District Cabinet attempts 
faithfully and with abundant success to help every Chap- 
ter on the district. 

At the beginning of one year's work a letter was sent 
out to all local officers, from which we have made ex- 
tracts covering all the themes that would be likely to in- 
terest other district and local office-bearers. 

The Indianapolis District does not, of course, issue 
this as a "model" letter. Rather, it is a practical attempt 
to meet definite and important local conditions. As such 
it should have large suggestive value to all who are in 
the League's places of responsibility. 



SUPERVISION, INSPIRATION, INSTRUCTION. 435 



To the officers of the Epzvorth League Chapters of the 
Indianapolis District, greeting: 

We desire to present to you at the beginning of the 
year certain of our aims and plans for the upbuilding of 
Christ's kingdom in this district and the prosperity of 
our Church and League, so that we may work in har- 
mony with one another. 

Will each officer receiving this letter please consider 
it as a personal letter from the member of the District 
Cabinet sending it, and especially that part relating to 
his particular department? 

Motto. — Our district motto this year is "Others." 

Reports and Banner. — We have decided to continue 
the system of monthly reports. Reports will be asked of 
all officers except Presidents. We hand you herewith a 
supply of report-blanks for your department, sufficient 
for six months. 

At the next district convention a banner will be 
awarded to the Chapter considered to be the best Chap- 
ter in the district. This will be decided altogether upon 
the written reports received. The number of members in 
the Chapter will be taken into consideration in giving 
credits, so that smaller Chapters will have equal oppor- 
tunities with the larger to receive the banner. Faithful- 
ness and promptness in making reports will count for 
much. 

District Meetings. — The Cabinet is planning for sev- 
eral district meetings during the year, and we ask your 
aid in securing a good attendance from your Chapter. 

There will be three institutes during the year, which 
will probably be held on the first Wednesdays in Septem- 
ber, December, and March, as heretofore. That in Sep- 
temper will be in six sections, at different churches. These 



436 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



will be departmental meetings for the Departments of 
Spiritual Work, World Evangelism, Mercy and Help, 
Literary and Social Work, and the Junior Superintend- 
ents. The Presidents, Secretaries, and Treasurers will 
unite in one meeting. Many valuable suggestions will be 
made at these meetings, and you should not fail to at- 
tend your departmental meeting. 

Early in October a reception will be given to the pas- 
tors of the district, at a church yet to be selected. 

The second institute, in December, will be a meeting of 
the whole district at one church, and will be a study of 
the benevolences of the Church. 

The third institute, in March, will be held in the form 
of group meetings, at churches in various parts of the 
district. 

And a district convention will be held in May. 

Chapters desiring to have any of these meetings at 
their churches should extend the invitation early in the 
year. 

With reference to the particular work of the several 
departments, we desire to say: 

Department of Spiritual Work. — Under the work of 
the first department your attention is called to the changes 
made by the creation of the Department of World Evan- 
gelism. The first department is relieved of all missionary 
work, but in place of it the Bible study classes have been 
assigned to the first department. Organize this branch of 
work as speedily as possible. 

You are urged also to enroll your list of "Comrades 
of the Morning Watch" at once. All who will agree to 
devote the first waking moments of the day to Bible read- 
ing, prayer, or communion with God may be enrolled as 
members. 

Also, for your soul's sake, and for the sake of the 



SUPERVISION, INSPIRATION, INSTRUCTION. 437 



spiritual welfare of those in your charge, you are urged 
to do some special work, either in cottage prayer-meet- 
ings with the sick or seekers after God, or in open-air 
work. Do such work in obedience to God, and you will 
reap a rich spiritual blessing for your Chapter. Enlist 
as many as possible in this kind of work. 

Finally, let no devotional meeting go by without ask- 
ing how many wish the prayers of the Chapter. Have 
your leaders put this question or do it yourself. You 
may be astonished at the results. 

Department of World Evangelism. — The plan of this 
work is extensive and the field of labor broad. It will 
require much work to make its importance felt in this the 
year of its infancy. 

At the earliest date possible send the name of your 
Second Vice-President to the district Secretary, in order 
that the district Second Vice-President may know to 
whom to send her communications. 

It is hoped in the near future that a conference of all 
the Second Vice-Presidents may be held, where each offi- 
cer will have an opportunity to give or receive knowledge 
in the work. Let us rally to this standard of evangelism, 
and, in undertaking this important work, seek to keep 
before the young people the aim of this department as 
embodied in its motto: "The world for Christ in this 
generation." 

Department of Mercy and Help. — We believe the De- 
partment of Mercy and Help should continue this year 
the work done during the past year in the interests of 
our Methodist Hospital Fund. The goal which the senior 
Epworthians of the district hope to reach by October 1st, 
is $1,000 cash. 

The Children's Summer Outing Society hopes to do 
much of its work this summer through the co-operation 



438 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



of our department, and asks that we hold ourselves hi 
readiness to assist in this work as we are called upon to 
do so. 

Department of Literary and Social Work. — The 
fourth department should be very active. It has not only 
the social interest to direct, but also the literary, which 
makes a much broader field for work. 

The Bpworth Herald should be an important part of 
the work. Why not make the subscription list larger 
than ever before ? 

Have socials as often as practicable; create a deep 
social interest; not socials for financial gain, but socials 
to save. 

Make the work of this department plainly visible at 
each devotional meeting by ushers, flowers, special music, 
and special attention to visitors. 

We ask for your hearty co-operation in the work thus 
outlined. We want to help you. Whenever you have use 
for us in your League work, use us. There are limita- 
tions to our ability, but not to our willingness. Yours in 
the Master's work, The; District Cabinet. 

THE DISTRICT CONVENTION. 

The Conferences of Methodism are very largely the 
business meetings of a great and complex institution. 
They are necessarily cumbered with much serving. The 
Epworth League, with its minimum of machinery, has 
had opportunity to provide in its general gatherings for 
the cultivation of the spirit of fellowship, for the empha- 
sis on the connectional idea, and for the conduct of ex- 
ceedingly profitable "Conversations on the work of God." 

The District President must cultivate the acquaint- 
ance of all the pastors and League workers in the district. 
Every week he will have occasion to draw on his knowl- 



SUPERVISION, INSPIRATION, INSTRUCTION. 439 



edge of these co-laborers. His correspondence will be a 
heavy item in his work, but it can not be neglected with- 
out damage to the activities of the district and of the sev- 
eral Chapters. This is especially true in connection with 
the district convention. The District President is com- 
mander-in-chief of that gathering. If he would marshal 
his forces effectively he must know them. All the wonc 
of the year has been enriching his stores of information 
and personal knowledge concerning the young people of 
the district. When the time to arrange for the convention 
arrives, this equipment of facts and the President's de- 
ductions from them, will have much to do with the suc- 
cessful building of the program. 

Neighboring districts find it profitable to arrange for 
simultaneous, or, more usually, consecutive conventions. 
Sometimes all the districts of a Conference adopt this 
plan. It makes possible the securing of speakers from 
a distance who could not otherwise come. The expense 
is small, when shared by four or five districts, and the 
speakers follow a carefully planned schedule which al- 
lows for all minor emergencies and delays in getting from 
one convention to the next. 

Building the Program. — The District Cabinet is 
usually the program committee for the annual conven- 
tion. A Cabinet meeting should be called not less than 
four months previous to the date determined on for the 
convention. The first business is that of blocking out 
the programs, outstanding features, and deciding upon 
the general character of the gathering. 

To this meeting a representative of the Chapter which 
is to entertain the convention should be invited, for many 
questions will arise which can be settled only by some one 
who is familiar with the local situation. 

The great purposes of a district convention should be 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



kept in mind. It is intended to secure greater effective- 
ness in the work of the local Chapters, to discover and 
train League leaders, to push vigorously one or more of 
the various League enterprises to which the entire or- 
ganization is committed, to emphasize and intensify the 
spirit of fellowship and unity among the Epworthians 
of the district, and to bear immediate fruit in direct evan- 
gelism and the spiritual uplift both of the delegates and 
of the members at home whom they represent. 

These things remembered, go over all the available 
material, in themes and in speakers. Bear in mind that 
even the longest convention must have a time limit, and 
see that the program can be fully presented well within 
the time allotted. In the smaller towns and villages a two- 
days' convention is usually provided for, while in the 
larger places the morning, afternoon, and evening of a 
single day are all that can be given. 

Decide on a "dominant note." Let the convention 
stand for some one specific thing. Of course a large 
variety of themes will be provided, but give one of them 
such importance and prominence that it will stand out 
above all the others. Next year the emphasis may be 
changed, so that in a series of conventions a variety of 
important and timely subjects will have been considered. 
With some such arrangement as this there will be no op- 
portunity for people to say, when urged to attend the 
convention, "I went last year, and it was much the same 
as the year before, and the program seems to be about 
the same again this year, so I do n't care to go." 

Put this "dominant note" into a sentence or a phrase 
that shall stick out in all the advertising of the convention 
until everybody knows it by heart and knows what it sig- 
nifies, and then spread it across the convention room on a 
banner something after this fashion: "A Bible Study 



SUPERVISION, INSPIRATION, INSTRUCTION. 441 



Class in Every Chapter!" "Mission Study and Mission- 
ary Zeal!" "A Convention for Soul-Winning!" "Help 
that Hospital !" "Better Devotional Meetings Next Year !" 
"Shall We Adopt a Missionary?" "Let us Double our 
Numbers and Quadruple our Effectiveness !" "The Sa- 
loons of This District Must Go!" "Win One This Year!" 
"Culture, Fellowship, and Evangelism !" Every district 
can put its aims and purposes into some such attention- 
compelling mottoes as these. 

In stating the themes that are to be discussed, be '"dif- 
ferent." Avoid sameness of plan, and you will not be 
troubled by its offspring, monotony of result. Put the 
subjects into question form, or into new and unexpected 
phrasings. Make the very topics challenge attention and 
arouse interest. 

Keep away from the general themes that were worn 
out ten years ago. Do not talk about "The Ideal Ep- 
worth League" or "The Relation of the Pastor to the 
Epworth League," or "The Epworth League and the 
Church," or "The Work Before Us," or any of those gen- 
eralities which may have been excusable in the first year 
of the League's experience, but which long ago served 
their day and generation. Your themes may be old, but 
your treatment of them and the very headings under 
which they are discussed may be suggestive, practical, 
and fresh. 

Make the program too short rather than too long. Re- 
member that delays will happen, even in the best regu- 
lated conventions. Do not provide for every five min- 
utes, or arrange the order of exercises like a suburban 
train schedule. It is much better to print a list of the 
themes to be discussed without setting down precisely the 
hour and minute when they will be presented. Circum- 
stances almost always compel some transpositions of the 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



original order. If there is no hard-and-fast printed "bill- 
of-fare" any necessary transposition can be made without 
the distraction and embarrassment of a public explana- 
tion. If a speaker is tardy, another can be substituted, 
and there is neither waiting" nor disappointment. Of 
course, the speakers who are to deliver the principal ad- 
dresses do not come within the scope of this suggestion. 
They must be advertised both as to hour and as to theme. 

Make every possible use of the district's indigenous 
resources. Enlist the workers of the district as far as 
they are available. That, in most cases will give a large 
list of possible participants in the convention program. 
The Cabinet's acquaintance with leaders in the Chapters 
will be of great value at this point. It is difficult to build 
a program in the dark. Each District Vice-President will 
need to add his knowledge to the common stock. The 
more work he has done with his local Vice-Presidents, 
the more valuable his help will be. 

On the program, as well as in the convention, the laity 
should be more in evidence than the preachers. The more 
preachers take part, as a rule, the less the other delegates 
will feel like asserting themselves. They have not a 
preacher's* readiness of utterance, or range of observa- 
tion, or variety of experience. But for precisely the?e 
reasons the pastors are willing to give the laymen right 
of way. Help the ministerial desire to develop lay effect- 
iveness by giving the lay members of the League the 
large share of the program. 

And yet every convention should have a pastor's con- 
ference as a part of its program. There are Epworth 
League problems which concern the pastors directly, 
and which they ought to discuss among themselves. Give 
the pastors a conference just as the department leaders 
are assigned an hour for the consideration of their work. 



SUPERVISION, INSPIRATION, INSTRUCTION. 443 



Of course every convention program should give large 
place to distinctly spiritual work. The devotional mo- 
ments must not be considered as "preliminary exercises.'' 
If necessary, avoid this by giving an unusual place to 
the service of prayer and praise. Put it in the middle of 
the session, or at the end. Insist that it is an integral 
part of the program. 

Provide for much prayer; prayer by one, prayer by 
many, silent prayer, prayer in concert, prayer for special 
ends. 

Perhaps it may be possible to plan evangelistic meet- 
ings in the open air between sessions of the convention, 
or at shops and factories at the noon hour. No such op- 
portunity as that should be lost. At these places, and, 
when occasion serves, in the convention itself, seek to 
secure immediate decisions for Christ and for salvation. 
Nothing becomes an Ep worth League convention so 
much as timely and wise work for direct evangelism. 

Incorporate the "Institute Idea" into the program. 
Give the mornings and afternoons largely to the work 
of considering the real problems and peculiar tasks of 
the Chapters in the district. The convention that is a 
normal school for the training of local workers will be of 
more value than the one which imports speakers to de- 
liver sermons or general addresses. And yet there should 
be one strong inspirational address in every convention, 
lest the delegates lose sight of the purpose of the League 
in the multitude of its plans. Study local problems 
frankly, but not censoriously. Find the people who are 
getting things done, and put them on the program to lead 
conferences in their respective departments. 

If reports from the Chapters are provided for, see 
to it that they are very, very brief. In a district of forty 
pastoral charges there may be fifty local Chapters. If 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



each one of them makes a one-minute report an hour is 
consumed in this one exercise. And a one-minute re- 
port is much shorter than the average. 

The Question Box is doubly useful. It affords va- 
riety, and it awakens interest. But the Question Box 
may become a dangerous weapon if the one who is hand- 
ling it "did n't know it was loaded." Few Epworthians 
are capable of conducting a Question Box hour without 
having previously seen the questions. That is a risky 
method unless it is in the hands of an expert. When 
questions are handed in beforehand, the irrelevant ques- 
tions and the frivolous ones may be weeded out, which 
is a necessary process in most cases. 

A variation of the Question Box method is used suc- 
cessfully in several district and State organizations. A 
numbered list of twenty or twenty-five perennially perti- 
nent questions on the work of a single department is 
made up and distributed just before the open conference 
on that department. The delegates call for answers by 
number, and the leader not only gives his own answer 
to the question, but calls for volunteer answers from the 
audience. It is a most admirable plan for putting an end 
to bashfulness and formality, and it is even better as a 
method of getting at all the available knowledge on the 
subject under discussion. Program builders will find it 
profitable to compile their own lists of such questions. 
As a suggestion of what may be done in this way, a list 
of questions on the devotional meeting is here given. It 
was prepared and used by Mr. James L. Loar during his 
presidency of the Illinois State League. 

1. What is a devotional meeting? 

2. What is it not? 

3. Name some characteristics of a good meeting. 

4. Outline a model "order of service." 



SUPERVISION, INSPIRATION, INSTRUCTION. 445 



5. What is the best plan to get all to take part? 

6. The leader's preparation. What? 

7. Ruts. How to get out of them. 

8. Should leaders be appointed without previous con- 
sultation regarding preference of time or topic? 

9. What part should older persons take in the meet- 
ing and management of the League? 

10. Name some ways of increasing the attendance. 

11. Describe the qualifications of the First Vice- 
President. 

12. How can variety be obtained in the meetings? 

13. Who should be appointed as leaders? 

14. W r hat part should the President take in the meet- 
ings? 

15. What does the average devotional meeting lack? 

16. What is the purpose of the devotional meeting? 

17. How interest the associate members and out- 
siders ? 

18. Is the spirituality of the meeting increased by the 
use of an orchestra or other special music? 

19. Should the leader lecture, preach, or occupy the 
time with Bible references? 

20. What should you take to the devotional meeting? 

21. Does the average leader talk too much? 

22. Is it wise to make extensive use of The Bpworth 
H erald notes ? 

23. How best secure "personal experience" testimony? 

24. Religious "pneumonia." How to keep it out of 
the devotional meeting ? 

25. What is the greatest "present day" mission of the 
League ? 

The success of a convention depends, among other 
things, upon perfect organization. All the details must 
be thought out and worked out beforehand. Intelligent 



446 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



instructions must be given to all helpers, and eare must 
be taken to see that they understand their instructions. 
Hold every helper to direct responsibility for his share 
in the work. And then, having perfected a smoothly 
working organization, keep it in the background as much 
as possible. Do not put the machinery of the convention 
on exhibition. Have as little business as may be, and 
make what is essential an integral part of the religious 
work of the gathering. 

Advertising the Convention. — As soon as the program 
is complete, notify those who have been assigned to work. 
When it is perfectly clear that all understand what is ex- 
pected of them, and will do their best to keep their as- 
signments, print the program in an edition sufficient for 
all advertising purposes. Send a copy to The Bpworth 
Herald, so that the convention date may appear in its 
"Convention Calendar," and circulate the program freely 
among the Chapters. A copy should be sent to each 
pastor, together with a request that he make the notice 
of the convention a part of his regular Church announce- 
ments until the date arrives. 

Put on the program all possible information about 
the work in the district, the Conference, the State. Let 
the printed page tell all that can be told in small com- 
pass of what the League is doing. Perhaps a summary 
of the district officers' reports can be inserted. It will be 
a highly profitable use of the space. Other printed mat- 
ter should be provided; brief notices, posters, letter- 
heads, postal cards, in as large variety as the district's 
funds will permit, so that every Epworthian in the dis- 
trict may know that the convention is about to be held, 
that he is invited, that he needs the convention, that the 
convention needs him, that "special rates have been ar- 
ranged for," and all the other facts that should be im- 



SUPERVISION, INSPIRATION, INSTRUCTION. 447 



parted to him. For what advantage is there in any con- 
vention to the Epworthian who has n't had the desire to 
go aroused in him until he simply can't stay away? 

Appoint a reporter for The Bpworth Herald, with 
instructions to send a report at the earliest possible mo- 
ment after the close of the convention, which report 
shall not be more than three hundred words long, and 
which shall state the facts about the convention without 
attempting to give the number of the hymns which were 
used, or to indicate the point in the program at which 
the janitor raised the windows for ventilation. 

Convention Hints. — A convention needs order, and 
the average convention fails to get it because it is sup- 
posed that a certain amount of good-natured confusion 
is inevitable. The wise presiding officer will seek to 
keep order without himself being disorderly in the effort. 
Fussiness and scolding make more disturbance than they 
quell. 

The music of the convention demands careful atten- 
tion. Beware of the tendency to make the singing a 
mere preliminary or a stop-gap. Therefore do not sing 
familiar hymns just because they are familiar. If the 
occasion calls for a familiar hymn by all means sing it, 
for people will appreciate its fitness to the thought of the 
moment. Sing the best hymns, and depend on their qual- 
ity to make them familiar. Convention delegates are, as 
a rule, quite capable of singing any hymn in the book at 
first sight, and they like to be put to the test. Moreover, 
if unfamiliar hymns are used, the range of singing ap- 
propriate to the work of the convention will be vastly 
widened. 

At frequent intervals give the entire audience some- 
thing to do. Otherwise people will go to sleep or take 
to day-dreaming from sheer weariness. Sing not merelv 



448 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



for exercise and change, but because the singing has 
been fitted in to the theme of the moment. Pray, not 
merely to fill the time, or to diversify the program, but 
because some paper or address has made prayer the most 
natural thing to turn to. Read a Scripture message, in 
concert or responsively, as much because the Scripture 
bears upon the thought of the occasion as because the 
audience needs variety. All of which means, in a word, 
this : vary the exercises with all possible ingenuity, but 
do not permit the variation to be meaningless or per- 
functory. 

Provide a supply of inexpensive note-books and pen- 
cils. The delegates may forget their own, and yet they 
will be glad of an opportunity to take notes. One dol- 
lar will provide one hundred small note-books, and an- 
other dollar will provide pencils sufficient for all the 
delegates. 

Furnish the chairman with a bell or buzzer which is 
no respecter of persons. Let him be as inexorable as a 
train dispatcher in his purpose to run things on time. 

Serve lunch in the church, or if the convention meets 
in a city, at some place near the church, or ask the dele- 
gates to pay for their own lunches at near-by restaurants. 
Do not overburden the people who generously, and at 
much personal sacrifice, are entertaining the convention. 

Seek more efficiency rather than more machinery. 
To appropriate a famous saying about Christianity in a 
certain part of London, we might answer the question. 
"Is our present League machinery a failure?" by saying: 
"I do n't know ; it has never been tried." Do not spend 
much time over proposed amendments to the constitu- 
tion or new arrangements of committees. Put first 
things first. The people who are getting the most out 
of the League idea are the ones who have least to say 
about its imperfection and insufficiency. 



SUPERVISION, INSPIRATION, INSTRUCTION. 449 



Look to the election of officers. The District Cab- 
inet is more important than many seem to think. It de- 
cides very largely the complexion and quality of the 
local work. If you have a good Cabinet, do not change 
simply because honors should be passed around. The 
good district officer is worth keeping for a year or two at 
any cost of doubtful compliments to other people. If 
changes are made, find the faithful ones, who do not 
advertise, and promote them. Be careful that you do not 
aid the ambitious place-seeker, if he should unhappily 
afflict the convention with .his presence. Sooner or later 
he is sure paralysis to anything he touches. 

Convention Themes. — These should not be stated in 
the bald way here given, but all possible changes should 
be rung on the method of formulating the topic. 

1. General. Inspirational addresses on "The New 
Evangelism," "A New View of the Bible," "The Mis- 
sionary Uprising of the Young People," "The World for 
Christ in This Generation," "The Modern Good Sa- 
maritan," "The Widening Field of Mercy and Help," 
"The Epworth League's Ideal of Culture," "Social Life 
and Spiritual Power," "Serving God with Pencil and 
Account Book," "The Christian Ideal of Getting and 
Using Possessions," "Winning the Next Man," "The 
League for the Young People and the Young People for 
the League." 

2. Department Conferences. Discussions of the work 
in the several departments, using such topics as these out- 
lined below. 

The First Department. The devotional meeting and 
its problems, of leadership, of participation by all mem- 
bers, of the use of topics, helps, and outlines, of inviting 
people to Christ. Bible study, its reasons, the courses 
available, the helps provided, methods of organization 
29 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



and management, essentials to success, reasons for fail- 
ure, reflex influence on students and Chapter, chief pur- 
poses of the study. Studies in Christian Experience, 
why, how, when, where, by whom, under what circum- 
stances, course to be used, things to avoid, things to 
seek. Studies in Personal Evangelism, as to motives, 
subjects, methods, safeguards, helps, related work, ac- 
tual practice. 

The Second Department. Mission study, its justifi- 
cation, its available material, the collateral resources 
within reach of the class, method of organization and 
conduct, end to be accomplished. Missionary Meetings, 
their purpose, their supervision, preparation of leader 
and members, results desired. The Missionary Libraries, 
their variety, character, value, and necessity, how to se- 
cure them and insure their reading. Christian Steward- 
ship, as a thing to be studied, as a conviction to be crys- 
tallized in practice, methods, literature and study courses 
available. 

The Third Department. Mercy and Help work in the 
local community, beyond its borders, varieties of service, 
co-operative mercy and help, the temperance task in pub- 
lic meetings and in private effort, Christian citizenship in 
elections, general civic affairs, reforms, and efforts at 
civic betterment. The work of visiting, how, when, by 
whom, for what purpose, clinching the visit. 

The Fourth Department. The social significance of 
eating, drinking, and music. Social life and the Scrip- 
tures. Friendship as an evangelizing power. Making 
the Chapter a living unity. What more than socials? 
After the social, what? Reading, with and without 
others. The League and general culture. 



SUPERVISION, INSPIRATION, INSTRUCTION. 451 



GROUP MEETINGS. 

The district organization is the next in order after 
the local Chapter, and the district conventions, of 
course, are valuable and important gatherings. But they 
do not provide all the assistance that is needed. In most 
districts it will be found that a series of sub-district or 
group meetings may be held with the utmost profit. They 
will not interfere with the annual district gathering, but, 
on the contrary, will tend to make that meeting more 
popular, and increase its attendance and value. 

The group meeting provides closer fellowship and 
better acquaintance between the members of the neigh- 
boring Chapters. Moreover it provides a splendid op- 
portunity for the discussion of local problems, which are 
important enough, but which may interest only four or 
five chapters, and so are not fully discussed in the larger 
gatherings. 

For the organization of group meetings divide the 
district into four, five, or six groups, with as near as 
possible the same number of Chapters in each group. 
Arrange the groups according to convenience of travel 
between the individual Chapters of the group. Then 
plan to hold one or two meetings a year in each group. 

The program for a sub-district or group meeting will 
be much less formal for a district convention, but it may 
be much more direct and practical. It will cover usually 
the morning, afternoon, and evening of a single day. 
The morning and afternoon sessions should be devoted 
largely to methods, local problems, and the development 
of practical effectiveness. The evening session may 
wisely be given up to one speaker, whose formal address 
should have large inspirational value. It will be all the 
better if the evening address can be wholly evangelistic, 



452 EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 

so that at the close an invitation to begin the Christian 
life may be extended, with the hope that many people 
attracted to the exercises of the day may be won over 
to the Kingdom of God. 

The group meeting provides a good opportunity for 
the adoption by the associated Chapters of some form of 
united effort, such as the fresh-air work, of concerted 
evangelistic movements, or flower mission work. If some 
Chapters of the group are in the country and others in 
the city an ideal plan of co-operation in fresh-air and 
flower mission work may be easily arranged. 

Use every Chapter in making up the program. Some 
Chapters will have good material for one part of the 
program, other Chapters can help in other things, but no 
Chapter must be slighted. 

Many group organizations find that the awarding of 
banners for the best attendance is a valuable means of 
stimulating interest in the group meetings. These ban- 
ners may be awarded by 'various methods, for example, 
for the largest attendance in proportion to membership, 
or for the largest number of miles traveled, so that the 
Chapters from the remoter places will not feel that they 
stand no chance. Or the banner may be awarded on the 
basis of the largest proportion of dues paid, or the larg- 
est number of members in study classes, or the larg- 
est proportionate increase in membership since the last 
group meeting. In fact, there are so many reasons for 
awarding banners that several banners may profitably be 
offered for competitive effort. 

Group meetings are valuable not only for the rea- 
sons already stated, but because 

1. They can be held frequently. 

2. Many can go a short distance and for a little time 



SUPERVISION, INSPIRATION, INSTRUCTION. 453 



who could never attend one of the larger and remoter 
gatherings. 

3. They involve very little expense, which is an im- 
portant item to many. 

4. The social features can be emphasized. 

5. You can use material on the program which you 
could not in a district meeting. 

6. Everybody feels a sense of responsibility. 

7. It puts the power-house close to the factory and 
the raw material. 

8. So many delegates are present from each Chapter 
that it is easy to carry enthusiasm home. This can not 
be said of the great conventions. They generate tre- 
mendous power but lack transmitters. 

9. They cultivate good feeling between the Chapters. 

NOTE ON THE JUNIOR WORK. 

This book has been purposely limited to the problems 
of Epworth League work proper. The Junior League is 
so far-reaching in its scope, and so different in its meth- 
ods, that it was not deemed wise to attempt its treatment 
here. That has been better done in another place, by 
another hand. 

But it should always be remembered that these two 
branches of Epworth League work, though dealing with 
different material under different conditions, are parts of 
the same organization, younger and older members of 
the same family. 

The Junior Superintendent is a member of the Ep- 
worth League Cabinet, although appointed by the pastor 
instead of being elected by the Chapter. At all Cabinet 
meetings the Junior Superintendent should be expected 



EPWORTH LEAGUE METHODS. 



and welcomed. The problems of the Junior work should 
be considered as carefully as those of any of the depart- 
ments, and the Chapter should be educated to the point 
of accepting large responsibility for the Junior ,branch of 
the work. 

The First Department is especially charged with this 
work of counsel and supervision. The First Vice-Presi- 
dent ought to be a frequent visitor at the Junior meet- 
ings, and a sympathetic and intelligent counselor with 
the Junior workers. 

The Junior Superintendent and the other members 
of the Junior staff have a right to expect support, moral, 
material, and personal, from the members of the senior 
Chapter. That the Junior work is done in a different 
place and at a different time from the other League work 
affords no reason for ignoring it or for belittling it. 

If Ep worth League workers are wise, they will see 
that the preservation of the League itself is largely a 
question of the success of the Junior work. Given a 
carefully chosen course of training, conscientiously and 
enthusiastically followed, and when the Juniors are ready 
to graduate they will be the finest possible material for 
the uses of the senior organization. A well-trained 
Junior has such an advantage over one who has missed 
the training that it is worth all it costs to provide such 
education and culture in religious things as the Junior 
League affords. 



INDEX. 



Page. 

Abbreviated Social, An 351 

Absent Members, Letters to.. 372 

Acquaintance Social, An 350 

Active and Associate Members 23 

Advocates, Reports to the 375 

Advertising 374 

Advertising the Convention. . . 446 

Advertising Hunt, An 346 

Advisory Members of the Board 

of Control 21 

Africa Evening, An 176 

Africa, Outline Program on. . . 177 
After the Devotional Meeting. 76 
Age Limit, Action of Board of 

Control on 37 

Aged, Homes for the 249 

Ages, Game of All 336 

Agitation, Temperance 275 

All Ages, Game of. 336 

American Bible Society, The. . 218 
American Institute of Sacred 

Literature's Bible Study 

Rules 133 

Amusements, The Christian 

and 87 

Analysis of the Pledge, An 423 

Anniversary Day 391 

Date of 3S7 

A Plan for 397 

A Sample Program 396 

The Special Program. . . 391, 393 

Annual Banquet, The ,354 

Annual Business Meeting, 

The 29, 66 

Apostolic Church, Studies in 

the , 137 

Army Campfire, An 323 

Art Gallery, The 346 

Assembly, A Home 297 

Associate Members, Securing. 363 
Associate Membership, The . . 23, 39 
Attendance at Group Meetings 452 

Authors, A New Game of. 341 

Authors and Their Works 343 

Babel Social, The Tower of. . 348 

Babies, Reception for 332 

Badge, The 31 

Banquet, The Annual 354 



Page. 

Barn Social, A 356 

Barter Social, A 345 

Baseball, Indoor 329 

Benevolences : 

How to study the 202 

Provision for Study of the. . . 202 

Study of the 196 

Benevolent Societies, The. 203, 224 

Bells, An Evening with 313 

Benediction, The Epworth 

League 418 

Berry, Bishop Joseph F 5 

Bible Society, American 218 

Bible Study 17, 131 

Starting a Class 404 

The First V. P. and 42 

in the Morning Watch 107 

Rally Day 137, H3, 387 

Programs for Rally Day 145 

and the Revival 141 

Biblical Hall of Fame, A 310 

Bicycle Runs 355 

Bills, The Payment of 3 8 4 

Birth of the Epworth League, 

The 13 

Blackboard in the Mission 

Study Class, The 166 

Board of Control, The 19, 32 

Action in Age Limit 37 

Advisory Members of 21 

Composition of 20 

Book Club, The 306 

Budget, The Treasurer and the 385 

Bulletin Board, A 375 

Business Meeting, The 50, 72 

Annual 29, 66 

Business Records 368 

Businesses, Studies of Great.. 313 

By-laws 22, 29 

How amended 28, 30 

Cabinet, The District 432 

Cabinet, Duties of the Local . . 56 

How Constituted 27, 57 

Meetings 57 

Planning for the Rally Day.. 403 
Suggestions of Members to 
the 62 



455 



456 



INDEX. 



Page. 

Cabinet, and Sunday-school 

Boardi 59 

Its use of this volume 4 

Adoption of a Policy 61, 62 

Its Duty in the Exclusion of 

Members 28 

Its Relation to the Member- 
ship 60, 61 

Calendar Exhibition, A 322 

Candy Making 349 

Camping Out 357 

Canvassing for New Members. 362 

Card Index of Members, A 368 

Celebrity Social, A 353 

Central Church, Cleveland, 0. 13 
Central Office, Its Assistance in 

Organizing 35 

List of Local Officers Sent to . 45 

Location of. 22 

Ceremonial Occasions 411 

Ceremonial Social, A 188 

Chains, The Game of 347 

Chapter Dues 27, 30 

Hymn 98 

Officers, Qualifications of. . . . 26 
Reports at District Conven- 
tion 443 

and the Revival 22 

Charter, the Chapter's 45, 46 

Unveiling the 46 

Charts, Missionary 172, 196 

Temperance 272 

Chautauqua Assembly at 

Home, A 297 

Children's Homes 249 

China, News from Missions in. 182 

Christ, The Present 83 

Christian Citizen, The 284 

Christian Citizenship 280 

Contests . 288 

Information concerning 291 

Special Day for 387 

Study of 287 

Christian Culture Club, A 298 

Christian Education 88 

Christian Experience, Class in 404 

Special Day for 387 

Study of 129 

Christian Stewardship 225 

Enrollment 404 

Program 229 

Studies in 232 

The Treasurer's Work for. . . 382 
Church Benevolences, The 

Study of. 196 

Church Extension, The Board 

of 203 

Special Day for 387 



Page. 

Circle, Organizing a Reading. . 295 

Circles, Reading 307 

Circulating the Missionary Li- 
braries 193 

Citizen, The Christian 284 

Citizens, All are 286 

Citizenship, Christian 280 

Citizenship, Information about 

Christian 291 

Civic Reform, Organizations 

for 291 

Cleveland Conference, The 13 

Clippings for League Use 373 

Closing the Devotional Meet- 
ing ; 93 

Collection, The Anniversary 

Day 394 

College, A Reading 304 

College Social, A 352 

Colored Conferences, Assist- 
ant Secretary for 21 

Colors of the Epworth League 31 

Composite Novel, A 345 

Conducting the Devotional 

Meeting 70, 74, 75 

Confession, A Service of 89 

Congress of Nations 313 

Congress of Notables, A 313 

Constitution, Amendment of 

General 22 

Constitution, General 20 

Local 22 

Signing the . . 367 

Contests, Christian Citizenship 288 

Membership 363 

Convention, The District 438 

Conversation, Progressive 344 

Co-operative Library, A 296 

Correspondence, The Work of. 371 

Corn Social, A 350 

Cottage Prayer Meetings 101 

Country Dinner, A 355 

Cross, The Epworth 48 

Curios in Missionary Meetings 170 

Curio Social, A 185 

Cycle of Prayer for Missions, 

The 189 

Date of Annual Meeting 66 

Date of Chapter Election 32 

Dates, A Plate of 346 

Days, Special League 387 

Deaconess, That 238 

Deaconess Work, The 16 

Decision, Making a 90 

Debates, Missionary 171, 186 

Denominations, Evenings with 
Other 306 



INDEX. 



457 



Page. 

Department Conferences at 

Conventions 449 

Departments, The Consti- 
tutional Plan of 23 

Distribution of Work Under 

the 23, 24, 25, 26 

Functions of the Four 64, 47 

Organizing the 46 

Departmental Reports 370 

Sub-committees 48 

Devotional Meeting, The. 15, 28, 69 

Conference on the 444 

Direction of, by First Vice- 
President 41 

Leading the 70 

The Missionary 168 

The Organist in the 98 

Selection of Leader for 50 

Singing in the 96 

Taking Part in the 95 

Dickens, the Children of 3:4 

Dictionary Girls, Some 330 

Dictionarv, Studies in the 311 

Dimmick, The Rev. B. F 13 

Dinner, A Country 355 

Din ners for the Need} 7 255 

Discipline Evening, A 311 

District Cabinet, The 432 

District Convention, The 438 

District League, The 432 

District, List of Chapters in 

. the • 371 

District Officers, Duties of 419 

Election of 449 

Installation of 418 

District Reading Circle, A 310 

District Temperance Work. . . . 272 

Distress, The Relief of 245 

Drawing Social, A 345 

Dues, The Chapter's 383, 384 

Early Preparation for Devo- 
tional Meeting 79, 80 

Editor of The Epworth Herald, 

How Elected 19, 21 

Education, The Board of 213 

Education Christian 88 

Education in Missionary 

Lands, Christian 181 

Egg Social, An 352 

Election of District Officers, 

„ The 449 

Election, Date of Chapter 32 

Election of Members 65 

Elections, The Record of 369 

Envelope Library, An 365, 307 

Epoch Social, An 185 



Page. 

Epworth Cross, The 48 

Epworth Herald Canvass on 

Anniversary Day 393 

Editor of, How Elected 19, 21 

Helps in Devotional Meet- 
ing, The 79 

Programs 302 

Reports to the 376 

Epworth League, Birth of 13 

Benediction 418 

Legislation for the 19 

Newspaper, An 303 

Object ofr 20, 23 

Record of the 15 

Evangelistic Devotional Meet- 
ing, An 84 

Evangelism, Personal 109 

In Visiting the Sick 242 

Exclusion of Members, The. 28, 60 

Experts, Evenings with 305 

Fagot Party, A 324 

Familiar Hymns in Devotional 

Meeting 96 

Fellow Workers' Band, The. . . 404 

Covenant, The 118, 119 

Field Meet, An Indoor 331 

Finance, The Social Work and 320 

League Records and 365 

First Department Conferences 

at Conventions ; 449 

First Department, A Letter to 

the. 436 

First Vice-Pres., Duties of the. 414 
and Personal Evangelism. . . 43 

Qualifications of the 41 

Successor of Class Leader. . . 42 

Flower Mission, The 266 

Flower Tableaux 344 

Football, Parlor 347 

Foreign Games 185 

Foreign Missionary Society, 

Women's 220 

Foreign Missions in the United 

States 178 

Founders' Meeting, A 186 

Fourth Department, A Letter 

to the 438 

Conference at Conventions.. 450 

Suggestions for the 224 

Work of the 293 

Fourth of July, Observing 

the , 289, 399 

The Sunday Nearest the 398 

Fourth Vice-President, Duties 

of 416 

Qualifications of. 44 



45S 



INDEX. 



Page. 

Freedmen's Aid and Southern 

Education Society, The 206 

Fresh Air Work 259 

General Conference, The, 

and the Lyceum 10 

Final Authority on Epworth 

League Legislation 19 

General Constitution, The 20 

General Officers of the Ep- 

worth League 21, 32 

General Secretary, The 19, 21 

Genesis of the Epworth 

League, The 9 

Geography, The Romance of. . 314 
German Assistant Secretary, 

The 21 

Gifts to Missionaries 192 

Girls, Dictionary 330 

Giving, The Four Methods of. 225 

In the Epworth League 17 

Relation of Mission Study to 154 
Right and Wrong Methods of 227 

The Significance of 228 

Golden Rules for Leaders, 

Some 77 

Gospels, Making a Harmony 

of the 147 

Graduation of Juniors, Form 

for the 413 

Group Meetings 451 

" Guess " 342 

Gum Sculpture, The Game of. 352 

Hall of Fame, A Biblical 310 

Hallowe'en Social, A 338 

Hanson Place Chapter, Brook- 
lyn, Revival Work of 127 

Harmony of the Gospels, Mak- 
ing a 147 

"Helps" in the Devotional 

Meeting, Use of 79 

High School Graduates, Re- 
ception to 354 

Hindrances to Missions 173 

Hindrances to Personal Evan- 
gelism, Imaginary 117 

to Personal Evangelism, 

Real 116 

Holiday Socials 352 

Holiday Tour, The 359 

Holidays, The Redemption of. 289 

Home Assembly, A 297 

Home Missionary Programs, 

Themes for 178 

Home Missionary Society, The 

Women's 220 

Home Prayer Meetings 101 



Page. 

Home Missions, Special Day for 387 

Homes, Children's 249 

Homes, Aged People's 249 

Hospital Visiting 242 

Hospitals 248 

Hospitals and Deaconesses, Co- 
operation with 405 

Hundred Dollar Social, The. . . 348 

Hymn Book, Choosing a. 97 

Hymn, A Chapter 98 

Hymns in the Devotional Meet- 
ing, Familiar 96 

Evenings with 314 

Missionary 143 

for a Pledge Meeting 430 

Imaginary Missionary Trip, 

An 187 

Inconsistency as a Hindrance 

to Soul Winning 116 

Independence-day, Observance 

of 399 

Indoor Baseball 329 

Indoor Field Meet, An 331 

Indoor Picnic, An 352 

Informality in the Devotional 

Meeting 80 

Information Social, An 187 

Initials, The Game of De- 
scriptive 347 

Installation of Officers, 

The 396. 411, 414 

Institute Idea at Conventions. 443 
Intellectual Activities, Social 

and 293 

Inter-Chapter Visiting 246 

Interdenominational Evenings 306 

International Game, An 337 

Introduction 3 

Islands, The Gospel in the 181 

Jumble Social, A 343 

Junior League, New Members 

from the 361 

Junior League, The, Its Rela- 
tion to the Epworth 
League 454 

Juniors, Form for the Gradu- 
ation of 413 

Justification of the Years, The. 15 

Lawn Social, A . 357 

Laymen in Conventions, The 
Importance of. 442 

Leader of the Bible Study 
Class, The 13c 

Leaders for Devotional Meet- 
ings, Assignment of. 5c 



INDEX. 



459 



Page. 

leaders, Some Golden Rules 

for 77 

Hints for Mission Study- 
Class 162 

Leaders, A School for 73 

Leading the Devotional Meet- 
ing 70, 74 

Leaflets, Temperance 270 

League and the Revival, The. . 122 

Newspaper, A 303, 314 

Lecture Courses 299, 405 

Legislation for the Epworth 

League 19 

Letters as a means of Soul 

Winning 114 

Letters from Missionaries 169 

Libraries, Mission Study 165 

The Missionary 193, 405 

Library, An Envelope 265, 307 

A Co-operative 296 

Life of Christ, Studies in the.. 137 
Literature in Direct Evangel- 
ism, The Use of 114 

Life Work, Choosing a 314 

Lincoln's Birthday, Observance 

of 388 

Literary Club, A 309 

Evenings, Hints for 312 

and Social Conferences at 

Conventions 450 

Work 295 

Literature, Distribution of 263 

Temperance 274 

Local Constitution, The 22 

Machinery of the Devotional 

Meeting, The 81 

of Missions, The 187 

No Salvation by 111 

Maps for Mission Study 165 

Missionary 172 

" Matches," Spelling and other 346 

Material, Various Missionary. . 195 

Medical Missions 172, 180 

Meditation as Part of the 

Morning Watch. . . 106 

Meeting, The Annual Business 66 

The Business 50 

Meetings, Bible Study Class . . 139 

Cabinet 57 

Department 50 

of the Chapter 49 

Temperance 276 

Suggestions of, to Cabinet. . 62 

The Cabinet's oversight of. . 60 

Members, Election of 65 

Assignment of, to Depart- 
ments 48, 49, 58, 267 



Page. 

Members, Letters to Absent. . . 372 

Method of Excluding 60 

Securing New 360 

Who Should be Admitted as 60 

Membership, Age Limits of. . . 37 

Canvass, The 360 

Classes of 31 

In Local Chapter 23 

Record, The 366 

Mercy and Help 236 

A Letter to the Department of 437 
Conferences at Conventions. 450 
Department Helping in Re- 
vivals 128 

Program, A 268 

Suggestions 251 

Work 15 

Methodist Methods, Studies in 313 

Mission Field, The 170, 175 

Year Book, The 222 

Young People's Union 12 

Mind Reading, The Game of.. 350 

Mission Lands, Christian Ed- 
ucation in 181 

Study, Its Timeliness 152 

Class, Starting A 404 

Rally Day 157 

Rally Day, Programs for.. 159 

Reasons for 153 

Sunday, Date of 387 

Missionaries, Gifts to 192 

Letters from 169 

Studies of Great 173 

Missionary' Charts 172, 196 

Debate 171, 186 

Devotional Meeting, The 168 

Essay Contest 186 

Inspiration Meeting, A 183 

Journey, A. . 333 

Libraries, The 405 

Material, Various 195 

Maps 172 

Meetings, Hints for 172 

Programs, Sample 175 

Socials 184 

Missionary Society, Annual 

Report of the 172 

Hand-book of the 164 

Work of the 170 

Missionary Tour, A 185 

Work of the Epworth League 16 

Missions, The Cycle of Prayer 

for 189 

In Song 173 

The Machinery of 187 

Medical 180 

Prayer and 188 

Special Days for 387 



INDEX. 



Page. 

Missions, Stories of 170 

Woman's Work in 179 

Money, The Chapter and Its.. 381 

Mercy and Help 238 

Morning: Watch, The 103 

Its Relation to Bible 

Study 140, 142 

The Elements of the 106 

Enrollment, The 103, 404 

On Anniversary Day, The. . . .392 

Special Day for 3S7 

Mother Goose Social, A 341 

Music in Conventions, The . . . 447 

Musical Evening's 351 

Mysterious Trip, A 333 

Nations, A Congress of 313 

Game of All 337 

Social of the 348 

National Socials 350 

Native State Social, My 351 

Necessitous Cases 245 

Needle, Work for the 259 

Neely, Bishop, Organizer of 

Church Lyceum 9 

New Departures, Some 404 

New Members, Form for Re- 
ception of 412 

Reception of 364 

Securing 360 

Securing on Anniversary Day 394 

Training 363 

New Work, Beginning 83 

Newspaper, An Ep worth 

League 303, 314 

Cultivating the < 374 

League News in the 375 

A Temperance 277 

Nicknames, City and State 346 

Nominating Committee, 

The 39 

North Ohio Conference Meth- 
odist Alliance 12 

Notables, A Congress of 313 

Notebooks at Conventions 448 

Novel, A Composite 345 

Nursery, The Epworth League 256 

Object of the EpworthLeague, 
The 20, 23 

Occasions, Ceremonial 411 

Officers, The Installation of 

Chapter 411, 414 

Of Local Chapter 26 

Qualifications of Chapter... 40 

Official Recognition of the 
Chapter 45 

Old Members' Social, An 344 



Page. 

Old People's Day 406 

Homes 249 

Old Testament, Studies in 137 

Open Air Meetings at Conven- 
tions 443 

Services 99 

"Open Door" Booklets, The.. 164 
Opening the Devotional Meet- 
ing 90 

Oratorical Contest, A Mock... 351 
Order of Business at Cabinet 

Meeting 59 

Organist in the Devotional 

Meeting 98 

Organization of a Chapter, The 94 

Convention 446 

Organizing the Departments. . 46 
Original Societies, The Five. . 10 

Outdoor Sociability 355 

Outline Hints for Socials 344 

Outlines of Devotional Meet- 
ings 82 

Oxford League, The 11 

Paper Party, A 324 

Papers, Reports to the Church 375 
Parliamentary Procedure in 

Business Meeting 64 

Pastor in the Business Meet- 
ing, The 66 

In the Devotional Meeting. 

The 77, 82, 93 

Helping on Anniversary Day, 

The 392 

Helping on Old People's Day 407 
In the Morning Watch Meet- 
ing - 105 

The, His Relation to Cabinet 57 
"Peace" Program, A, for the 

Devotional Meeting 84 

Peanut Party, A 339 

Personal Evangelism 17, 109 

Evangelism Questions.. 115 

Personal Evangelism Rally Day 387 

in the Sick Room 242 

Studies in 118 

Personal Work, Methods of... 114 

Rules for 112 

Petitions, The Value of 291 

Photography and the Fourth 

Department 360 

Photographs, An exhibit of 

Amateur 346 

Physician, The Missionary 172 

Picnic, The 359 

An Indoor 352 

Plans for Devotional Meetings 82 
Plantation Social, A 353 



INDEX. 



461 



Page. 

Pledge, The .30, 422 

Adoption of 39 

Temperance 269 

Prayer in Closing the Devo- 
tional Meeting 94 

in the Devotional Meeting. . 81 

Prayer Meeting, A 82, 86 

Meetings, Home 101 

and Missions 188 

for Missions, The Cycle of.. . 189 
Prayer and the Morning 

Watch 106 

Preferences, The Game of 349 

Preparation for Leading the 

Devotional Meeting. .72, 74, 79 
Presiding Elder, The, to In- 
stall District Officers 418 

President, Duties of the 414 

Qualifications of 40, 52 

of Chapter and the Quar- 
terly Conference 26, 29 

Some Marks of a Good 53 

Profits of Missions, The 173 

Program Committee for Anni- 
versary Day, The 393 

Of the District Convention, 

The 439, 446 

Programs for Rally Days 145 

for Group Meetings 451 

for Mission Study Rally Day 159 

Sample Missionary 175 

Temperance 278 

Progressive Conversation, The 

Game of 344 

Publicity for League Work. . . . 374 

Mercy and Help 239 

Purpose of the Pledge, The. . . 427 

Quarterly Conference, The 
Chapter President's Rela- 
tion to 26 

Question Box at Conventions, 

The 444 

Questions for the Secretary. . . 377 

Quorum in the Business Meet- 
ing, A 63 

Rally Day, Bible Study. . 137, 143 

Epworth League 387 

Mission Study 157 

Rally Days, The 401 

Reading Circles 295, 315 

District 3T0 

Informal 307 

Reading College, A 304, 405 

Reading Rooms 308, 405 

Reception of New Members, 
Form for the 412 



PAGE. 

Recording the Chapter's Busi- 
ness 368 

Records and Finances 365 

Special 370 

The Treasurer's 383 

Red Cross, The. 313 

Reference Library for Bible 

Study, A 141 

Report to the Quarterly Con- 
ference, The „ 30 

Reports to be sent to the Ad- 
vocates 375 

in the Business Meeting 64 

from Conventions 447 

Reports, Departmental 370 

to be sent to the Epworth 

Herald 376 

Revenue, Raising' League 382 

Revival, The League and the 122 
Meetings, Bible Study and. . 141 
The, as a Source of New- 
Members 361 

Rubber Social, A 335 

Salaries of General Officers. . 22 
Saloon, A Substitute for the.. 277 

School, An Old Fashioned 328 

for Leaders, A 73 

Scrap Books for the Secretary. 373 
" Scrappiness " in the Devo- 
tional Meeting 70 

Scribes, Sidelights for 378 

Scripture in the Devotional 

Meeting 78 

Seasons, A Carnival of the. . . 356 
Second Department Confer- 
ence at Convention, The.. 450 

A Letter to the 437 

Second Sight, The Game of. . . 350 
Second Vice-President, Duties 

of the 415 

Qualifications of the 43 

Secretary, The Chapter. 27, 365, 416 
Secretary, Questions for the. . . 377 
Secretary's Record of Cabinet 

Meetings, The 58 

Securing New Members 360 

Senses, Social of the 346 

Sensitiveness a Hindrance to 

Soul Winning 116 

Shadow Games 349 

Shut-in, Remembering the. . . . 243 

Sick, Care for the 259 

vSick-Room, The Ministry of 

the 240 

Silhouette Social, A 323 

Simplicity in the Devotional 
Meeting 80 



462 



INDEX. 



Page. 

Singing in the Devotional 

Meeting 96 

Sobriquets, Some Famous .... 325 

Sociability, Outdoor 355 

Socials and 321 

Social and Intellectual Activi- 
ties. 293 

Social Work 320 

In the Revival 128 

Socials, Missionary 184 

Outline Hints for 344 

by Sections 353 

and Sociability 321 

Socials, Successful, 322 

Song Book, Choosing a 97 

Song, A Chapter 98 

Special Records 370 

Special League Days. 387 

Spiritual Power, Getting and 

Using 103 

Spiritual Work Conference at 

Conventions, The 449 

Department of 23 

Department of, in Revivals.. 128 
Department of, A Letter to the 436 

State Social, A 350 

Statistics, Chapter 372 

Station Plan, The.. 16, 169, 175, 404 
Stereopticon in Missionary 

Meetings, The 169 

Mission Study Class, in the. 166 

Stories of Missions 170 

Stranger, Visiting the 244 

Students, Receptions to 344 

Studies in the Apostolic Church 137 

Life of Christ 137 

Old Testament 137 

Personal Evangelism, ...no 118 
Study of Church Benevolences, 

The 196 

Sub-committees of the Depart- 
ments 48 

Substitute for the Saloon, A. . . 277 

Successful Socials 322 

Suggestions from members to 

Cabinet 62 

Mercy and Help 251 

Sunday-school Board and the 

Cabinet, The 59 

Union, The 210 

Special Day for the. 387 

Supervision, Inspiration and 

Instruction 432 

Supervision of the Work 52 

Supplies, The Chapter's 381 

Surprise Program, A Mission- 
ary 186 

Systematic Visiting... 254, 259, 405 



Page. 

Taking Part in the Devotional 

Meeting 95 

Telegram Social, A 332 

Temperance Charts 272 

Crusade, The 269 

Leaflets. 270 

Literature 274 

Meetings 276 

Newspaper, A 277 

Pledges 269 

Temperance Programs 278 

Sunday, Date of 387 

Themes 280 

Tennis Tournament, The 359 

Tennyson, An Evening 

With '314 

Testimony in the Devotional 

Meeting 77 

Thanksgiving Day, Observ- 
ance of 290, 408 

Themes for Conventions. .441, 449 

Temperance 280 

Third Department Conference 

at Conventions, The 450 

A Letter to the 437 

Third Vice-President, Duties 

of the 415 

Time Limit at Conventions, 

The 448 

Titles, The Game of Unfin- 
ished 326 

" Tongue Twisters " 353 

Topics in the Devotional Meet- 
ing, Use of.. 69, 70, 77 

Tour, The Holiday 359 

Tours, Walking 355 

Tower of Babel Social, The. . . 348 

Tract Distribution 263 

Society, The 216, 223 

Transfer of Members, The 368 

Traveling Social, A 345 

Treasurer, The 27, 381, 416 

Secretary's Co-operation 

with the 37i 

Trip, A Mysterious 333 

Twombly, Dr. J. H., Founder 
of the Young People's 
Christian League n 

Unbelief, as a Hindrance to 

Soul Winning- 116 

Unfinished Titles, The Game 

of 326 

United States, Foreign Mis- 
sions in the 178 

Unveiling the Charter 46 

Ushers in the Devotional Meet- 
ing 99 



INDEX. 



463 



Page 

Vacation Advice 262 

Variety in the Devotional Meet- 
ing 91 

Vice-Presidents and their De- 
partments, The 26 

Vincent, Bishop, Founder of 

the Oxford League 11 

' 1 Vision ' ' Meeting, A 88 

Visiting Between Chapters 246 

the Sick 240 

the Stranger 244 

Systematic 239 

Visits to Hospitals 242 

Walking Tours 355 

Washington's Birthday, Ob- 
servance of. 389 

The Sunday Nearest 390 

Watchwords of the Epworth 
League 31, 32 



Page. 

Woman's Foreign Missionary 

Society, The 220 

Woman's Home Missionary 



Society, The 220 

Woman's Work in Missions. . . 179 
Word Building, The Game of. . 349 
Words, Life History of Familiar 313 
Workers, Using the District's 

Own ' . . 442 

World Evangelism Conference 

at Conventions, The 450 

Department of 150 

A Letter to the 437 

Year Book, The Methodist 222 

Years, The Justification of the 15 
Young People's Christian 

League 11 

Methodist Alliance 10 

Societies, The Epworth 
League's Affiliation With. 20 




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